So I have been researching the reasons for getting antibiotics when positive for group b strep. Obviously it seems like most people just get them....I was leaning that way, but there are some reasons to not just do it, including the baby being at an increased risk for other infections, including E. coli, and thrush/yeast infections, plus the risk of creating a resistant "superbug." Some would say that risk of these things is greater than the risk of the baby actually contracting group b strep and causing disease. I have also read about how passing through the vaginal canal sets up the baby's bacterial flora for life and am worried that if I take antibiotics this will not be an optimal environment, causing the baby to be prone to allergies, eczema, and other problems. It is hard to find any reputable places that have evidence for this though and I would like to take some references to my doctor to discuss. I am hoping someone here knows a good reference site, and would also like to hear other mom's thoughts about refusing the antibiotics. It is also hard to find reputable places that talk about restoring the flora of the vagina- I don't want to just read some article that was in a random magazine, I am hoping for a study or an article by actual doctors that discuss any of these concerns. Anyone know of anything? Thanks.
Re: Declining antibiotics when Strep B positive- reasons? thoughts?
Also-i agree with everyone to take the antibiotic!
My mom was GBS positive. When I was born she hadn't had time to get an IV (we lived 2 hrs from a hospital). I caught GBS from her. I am allergic to every form of penicillin, so I couldn't be treated for the strep. I was in NICU for 2 weeks and they never knew if I would make it through the night.
Now I'm not saying that everyone will be GBS positive, or that their babies will have the allergies that I do. It's just an example of an issue that could arise from not taking the antibiotics if they are recommended.
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This isn't the case at every hospital. Mine only gives IV with an epidural.
This time around they're just marking me as gbs + due to the history so I will definely be taking the antibiotics!
Do not refuse the antibiotics. They are not for you, they are for your baby.
As for the woman that is terrified of an IV to the point that she would put her baby's life in possible danger to refuse one, I've rolled my eyes ten times at you.
Love,
Your friendly pediatric intensive care nurse who has seen more than a few babies die due to group b strep sepsis.
Ladies this is not about YOU, this is about an innocent life that does not get a say. Why would you even consider not getting antibiotics to protect an innocent life that you have spent nine months loving?! Plus, as a clinician I HATE when people go to the internet for information they should be getting from their doctor! Not to mention do you know how much training we go through to read/interpret studies and articles? So finding something online to try and back up your decision can put you and your child in jeopardy! Please reconsider!!!
Also, superbugs occur when antibiotics are administered for non-bacterial infections and when people don't finish their antibiotics, which effectively kills weaker bacteria while letting the stronger ones thrive. Not when an antibiotic is used to treat bacteria in the correct dosage.
Medical professionals are really not trying to harm you or your baby.
There are some really amazing doctors out there, but there are some really terrible ones as well. It's always best to be as informed as possible so that you can have a discussion and not just take medical advice blindly.
Also, my doctor told me today that you can take pills instead of an IV.
As far as the debate, in my birthing class the instructor said that she would "highly recommend" getting the antibiotic. It's not even a question in my mind if I am positive. I'd rather my LO has allergies than risk serious complications.
I also never said anything about getting or declining an IV catheter (I actually have no problem with that at all and would have one no matter if I was getting IV antibiotics or not).
Nobody has actually discussed any of my concerns from the original post yet, either. And those actually are legitimate thoughts- I am not making this stuff up, people. Antibiotic resistance is a huge concern, and it doesn't seem as though doctors yet completely understand how birth sets a baby's microbiome for life. So I am just wondering where getting antibiotics the second you are born fits in to this debate.
https://midwifethinking.com/2014/01/15/the-human-microbiome-considerations-for-pregnancy-birth-and-early-mothering/
https://commonhealth.wbur.org/2014/06/birth-canal-bacteria-c-section
For a lay person seeking science based information, I recommend the Mayo Clinic and the CDC. Both of these places recommend antibiotics. Period.
ETA: "As for the woman that is terrified of an IV to the point that she would put her baby's life in possible danger to refuse one"
What a arrogant, disgusting and assuming thing for you to say.