Strep B and Natural birth?

lylipad · May 2012

I tested positive for Strep B with my first pregnancy but as I am considering more babies and wanting to go Au Naturelle I wonder if it is even possible? I had to have antibiotics administered through an IV because of the Strep B and I don't think that can be done at a birthing center or at home. Do any of you have experience with this?

xnbride · May 2012

They should be able to do it at either a birth center or at home. Some hb midwives don't offer it as an option but some do. Ask around.

It really doesn't take too long for them to administer the meds and then they can do a hep lock for easy access to your veins for an additional dose after the 4 hours have passed.

Celyn · May 2012

Unless you were determined to be GBS+ because of a UTI, it might mean nothing for number too. People who have GBS UTIs are considered permanently colonized. For everyone else, it comes and goes. You might not test + next time.

Jcrab · May 2012

Celyn:
Unless you were determined to be GBS+ because of a UTI, it might mean nothing for number too. People who have GBS UTIs are considered permanently colonized. For everyone else, it comes and goes. You might not test + next time.

May I ask where you got this information? I did test positive with GBS in my urine at the start of my pregnancy and have since tested positive. I know the CDC recommends I be treated at delivery this time (although my practitioner will still test me with the swab just like everybody else so this doesn't seem absolute) but didn't realize this seems like it would be an issue with evey subsequent pregnancy. Any info would be appreciated.

Sawyerplus1 · May 2012

Jcrab:
Celyn:
Unless you were determined to be GBS+ because of a UTI, it might mean nothing for number too. People who have GBS UTIs are considered permanently colonized. For everyone else, it comes and goes. You might not test + next time.

May I ask where you got this information? I did test positive with GBS in my urine at the start of my pregnancy and have since tested positive. I know the CDC recommends I be treated at delivery this time (although my practitioner will still test me with the swab just like everybody else so this doesn't seem absolute) but didn't realize this seems like it would be an issue with evey subsequent pregnancy. Any info would be appreciated.

This is my 3rd pregnancy but the 1st one where I've tested positive, and it was in my urine when they tested me for GD. Two weeks ago my MW told me I was positive and that it was no big deal. As PP said they can administer the antibiotics at the birth center no problem; the first dose takes about 20 minutes, and then they leave you with just a hep lock until your 2nd dose.

However, at my appointment last week my other MW offered to retest me for it. It's my understanding that regular GBS can come and go throughout pregnancy, but if it shows up in your urine there's less chance it'll change during the pregnancy. But apparently, since my MW retested me, there is a chance it could change after showing up in your urine. I also don't think having it in your urine culture in one pregnancy means it'll be a factor in all subsequent pregnancies.

I'll let you know Tuesday if my results have changed

bornmommy · May 2012

Two days ago I had a natural birth and I was GBS+! It can be done!! I was at a hospital but I know that the birth center I considered was able to give antibiotics, too.

erb82 · May 2012

I just had a natural birth, with strep b a couple weeks ago. It was no trouble at all! Just a couple of minutes hooked up to an iv. I was at a hospital, but would assume most birth centers are okay with administering it.

Genevieve14 · May 2012

I was GBS+ with DD1 and I had an otherwise drug-free waterbirth. I just had to have the IV antibiotics before I got into the tub. You can do it!

Jcrab · May 2012

Sawyerplus1:
Jcrab:
Celyn:
Unless you were determined to be GBS+ because of a UTI, it might mean nothing for number too. People who have GBS UTIs are considered permanently colonized. For everyone else, it comes and goes. You might not test + next time.

May I ask where you got this information? I did test positive with GBS in my urine at the start of my pregnancy and have since tested positive. I know the CDC recommends I be treated at delivery this time (although my practitioner will still test me with the swab just like everybody else so this doesn't seem absolute) but didn't realize this seems like it would be an issue with evey subsequent pregnancy. Any info would be appreciated.
This is my 3rd pregnancy but the 1st one where I've tested positive, and it was in my urine when they tested me for GD. Two weeks ago my MW told me I was positive and that it was no big deal. As PP said they can administer the antibiotics at the birth center no problem; the first dose takes about 20 minutes, and then they leave you with just a hep lock until your 2nd dose.
However, at my appointment last week my other MW offered to retest me for it. It's my understanding that regular GBS can come and go throughout pregnancy, but if it shows up in your urine there's less chance it'll change during the pregnancy. But apparently, since my MW retested me, there is a chance it could change after showing up in your urine. I also don't think having it in your urine culture in one pregnancy means it'll be a factor in all subsequent pregnancies.
I'll let you know Tuesday if my results have changed

Okay, I think I misunderstood your original post. I had GBS in my urine even after the course of antibiotics but it disappeared after taking a few supplements my MW recommended. That was months ago, so hoping to stay negative... Good luck with your results.

dmhrn13 · May 2012

yes, they give you antibiotics at home or the birth center too.

janswedding · May 2012

It is absolutely possible. Check with your homebirth or birthing center midwife when the time comes and find out what your treatment options are. You may have more options available instead of the iv bag.

I am planning homebirth this time. I was gbs + last time and just assumed I would be again this time, but was fine with that. I turned out to be + again, but not have it in the urine.

My mw gave me several options. The perinatalogist she consults with can prescribe a round of oral antibiotics ahead of time. She can do an iv bag of antibiotics during labor, which is quick and the iv is taken out when it's finished. She also can do an antibiotic injection in the thigh, timed to occur within 6 hours before birth. I also had the option to do nothing, with approval of mw and perinatalogist, since it was not in my urine. I am going with the injection.

Want a personalized experience?

Strep B and Natural birth?

Re: Strep B and Natural birth?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards