Group B Strep test positive

techybos · May 2014

Hello all.

Just got a call from my Ob-gyn that the swab test for group B strep came positive.

I am kinda confused. Any one has similar experiences?

I am in my 35th week of pregnancy with due date around June 18th. This is my first pregnancy and am worried about the baby,

Is this group B strep common? does antibiotics during labor help?

appreciate your responses.

Mally2011 · May 2014

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that all women undergo screening between 35-37 weeks' gestation.

Group B strep (GBS) is different from the strands of strep that cause strep throat or skin infections. In babies, GBS can cause sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, etc. If you test positive, then you will need to be treated with antibiotics during your labor which will decrease the baby's chances of developing an infection.

It's very common.

Please discuss any concerns with your OB/GYN, he/she will be able to discuss in detail with you what the plan will be for antibiotics while you labor.

Qualera · May 2014

I was group B strep positive. It really wasn't a big deal. I was given IV antibiotics when I went in to Labor and Delivery to make sure it didn't pass to my LO during birth. The chances of babies contracting it is small even without the antibiotics, with them it is even more unlikely (like 1 in 400). I had been hoping to avoid an IV, but that was the only effect it had on birth.

My LO didn't contract it and I am presently taking pro-biotics to replace the good gut bacteria a massive dose of antibiotics killed, but we're both doing fine.

I read that about 30% of women are group B strep positive, so it is pretty common. My midwife told me not to worry about it right after she told me I was positive for it.

Hope this helps.

dragonfly711 · May 2014

I just had my test done today I am having a c section on June 18. Dr said if positive will have IV antibiotics during labor. Not sure if I will still since having c section. They usually test between 35-37 weeks. Dr did not seem worried at all.

+RBL+ · May 2014

It's very common.

Antibiotics do help.

JustGoWithIt · May 2014

I have it too, although it will be having a RCS. Regardless, just some antibiots...no worries.

jgilesslp · May 2014

I had it with both my previous boys so am guessing I will with this one too. With my first I got the IV antibiotics and that was it. With my second he came so fast they had no time for the antibiotics so they watched him more closely and did frequent blood draws and almost kept him a bit because they really wanted to be sure he was fine and some blood test was slightly elevated. I suspect if we had the antibiotics the second time they would have been a lot less worried.

afk2013 · May 2014

I'm also positive and will just have to have the IV antibiotics during labor. My doc assured me it was no big deal. I will just head to the hospital as soon as I know I'm in active labor instead of toughing it out for a while like I did with my first.

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