AW - Group B Positive

emzcat · November 2015

I searched and there were topics about GBS Positive but they don't exactly pertain to this.

I am really scared. I found out this evening that I am GBS positive, which is my worst nightmare. I am one of those rare people that happens to be allergic to nearly every antibiotic known to man. I've only successfully been able to take two: doxycycline and levaquin. Neither will help with GBS and I also happen to be allergic to the group of antibiotics that they would typically give for GBS.

My midwife and one of the natural birthing nurses, where I am giving birth, have advised against me taking antibiotics, because of the risk, but still think I should birth naturally. My midwife did state that if my water breaks, csection may be necessary. They said we would treat baby boy afterwards, should he show signs of illness. I really don't want to risk my baby getting sick from this.... There are so many horror stories.

Maybe I am overreacting but all I've wanted to do is cry since I found out.

Thanks for listening.

Edit: I'm sorry. I don't mean birthing naturally. I mean a vaginal, un-medicated birth.

joforyoga · November 2015

I'm Gbs Positive too. If it were me I would do c section to avoid baby traveling through where the bacteria is.

BowWowBowie · November 2015

I'm a little confused, if your water breaks you'll probably have to have a c-section? How would a natural birth work without your water breaking? (legitimate question, not to be taken as rude.)
That is a scary situation, I'm sorry you're going through that. I hope things work out for the best and that you can talk to someone who's been through something similar or an OB that will be able to calm your fears.

emzcat · November 2015

Waters don't always break. Most of the time, they are broken via the doctor or midwife. It is possible to give birth without ever breaking the water, though rare (one reason I'm nervous). Additionally, midwife thinks that if he isn't exposed very long to the bacteria in the birth canal (fast delivery), it will be okay.

She only wants to c-section if my water breaks and my labor stalls.

Edit: Also, thank you both for your input. I was thinking the same thing @JodyS but midwife thinks I am being too extreme.

poupoule · November 2015

Sorry

I am also allergic to the antibiotic group in question (penicillin, amoxicillin, keflex) I tested negative to strep b though.
Trust your dr in the best decision they can make for your baby's health and yours, looks like you need answer from them more than us! I would suggest to ask them to run you through the possible scenarios to be ready.

Ashleyw · November 2015

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. If I were you I would have a c section to prevent any potential hazard for my baby. If you trust your midwife I would do what she suggests. If you have any questions, get a second opinion . Good luck.

Edit words are hard

emzcat · November 2015

poupoule said:
Sorry I am also allergic to the antibiotic group in question (penicillin, amoxicillin, keflex) I tested negative to strep b though.
Trust your dr in the best decision they can make for your baby's health and yours, looks like you need answer from them more than us! I would suggest to ask them to run you through the possible scenarios to be ready.

Thank you. I did go over everything with her. My main concern is LO and she seems to think it isn't a big deal to deliver without antibiotics with GBS. Maybe she was trying to comfort me but I just don't agree. I don't want to risk LO.

I just wanted to vent mostly. Not really looking for an answer; though I am wondering if I should push for a csection now.

BowWowBowie · November 2015

Honestly it sounds like c-section would be the best route for your LO. There's so many factors that could go really wrong, as you said it's rare for the water not to break and there's no guarantee you'll have a fast labor. The good news is if you have a planned c-section, you have time to prepare mentally and physically. It doesn't sound like your midwife has your LO's best intentions at heart

Edit: the face emoji wasn't right

lakesideknitter · November 2015

If it were me, I would probably push for a c-section. There are some pretty serious risks if baby is exposed. It sounds like you've done your research. Be your own advocate and push for whatever you're most comfortable with. Good luck!

poupoule · November 2015

Yes that sounds weird, even though it sounds harder I would also push for csection. I dont see why they would stress so much and test everyone about it if at the end they take the risk to let you give birth without antibiotics. Sorry I misunderstood the original post

helsbels222 · November 2015

Can you obtain a second opinion? Passing through vaginally puts your baby at risk. The fact that your midwife said if he gets it they will treat him... this seems very odd that she would be willing to take the risk. I'm no dr but how is she so sure you will deliver quickly and how quick is quick enough for your baby not to be enposed? This really doesn't make sense. Personally, I would also push for a c section. Get your baby out the safest way for both of you.

Ashleyw · November 2015

I personally would get a second opinion.... Your midwife really doesn't seem like she has your LOs best interest at heart like others have said. But you have to make that decision. I wouldn't want my LO to even have a chance of being exposed or needing to be treated for something so preventable.

DogLoverX3 · November 2015

emzcat said:

poupoule said:
Sorry I am also allergic to the antibiotic group in question (penicillin, amoxicillin, keflex) I tested negative to strep b though.
Trust your dr in the best decision they can make for your baby's health and yours, looks like you need answer from them more than us! I would suggest to ask them to run you through the possible scenarios to be ready.
Thank you. I did go over everything with her. My main concern is LO and she seems to think it isn't a big deal to deliver without antibiotics with GBS. Maybe she was trying to comfort me but I just don't agree. I don't want to risk LO.

I just wanted to vent mostly. Not really looking for an answer; though I am wondering if I should push for a csection now.

I just want to say that I personally know someone who didn't get antibiotics hung right away, and it was very bad. While I know this isn't common, but it's still nothing to mess around with. I think c-section if you wanted an opinion.

jln114 · November 2015

I'm with you, @emzcat, on the GBS+ and allergies (even to levaquin). Here's hoping our births and babies are ok.

nmwheel1 · November 2015

That's really scary. I agree about getting a second opinion or opting for a c-section. I hope you can get some more answers

beckyrus · November 2015

Can they consult with an infectious disease doc and see what they would recommend. Also depending on what kind of reactions you have they might be able to pretreat you with IV Benadryl and steroids before the antibiotic. And if you do deliver vaginally and can't get antibiotics then I would insist that LO be treated with antibiotics. GBS sepsis is not something to take lightly.

MoRay05 · November 2015

Do you have a pediatrician yet? Maybe you could call and ask them what their opinion is.

thefithuntress · November 2015

I'm all about unmedicated births and using midwives but this is you and your baby's wellbeing we're talking about. I'd consult an OB about this and agree that a c-section might pose the lowest risk for you based on your circumstances. I'm not a doctor, though, and definitely recommend you see one.

ewhitledge · November 2015

What is your reaction to the antibiotics? Aside from anaphylaxis/angioedema they can pre-treat for a lot of things. Just a thought, good luck with everything!

Knottie36392871 · November 2015

I'm also GBS+ and allergic to keflex and penicillin (although I know I have other antibiotic options for treatment). My midwife told me that they would ideally give me antibiotics during labor, but if for some reason labor progressed really quickly and I didn't get to the hospital in time for antibiotics, that it probably wouldn't be an issue. She said that for most full term babies, it doesn't present much of an issue and if I didn't get antibiotics, they would keep us in the hospital for an extra day to monitor and treat our daughter if she was showing any symptoms. I hope you're able to get the answers you need and make the right decision for you and your LO. Some of the decisions we have to make are so nerve wracking! Hang in there mama!

mom4liak · November 2015

I was in the same boat as far as GBS+ and allergic to most antibiotics (with my first LO). I ended up with a CS but was premedicated with Benadryl and given the antibiotics. This was a decision that was made ahead of time and included being scheduled for induction so that everything was prepared and planned.

turkeybabt · November 2015

I think the reason your midwife isn't pushing for C-section is because it really doesn't make much difference. I did some research about GBS+ and c-section, and what I found was that your LO is at a higher risk for GBS septsis if your water is broken longer than 18 hours. Which is why your midwife would want you in as soon as your water breaks so you can be montiored better. I've read that your LO is at same risk whether it be c-section or vaginally.

chein1 · November 2015

Group B positive for both my pregnancies. I'm allergic to the "cillins" so my doctors had another antibiotic in place. Turned out this time my daughter was born within an hour of labor starting so when we got to the hospital there was no time to start antibiotics. We stayed in the hospital 48 hours to monitor her, but she's absolutely fine.

savyjohn1 · November 2015

I was GBS with my 2nd - and I am trying to remember - 5 1/2 years ago - , but I don't think they gave me the antibiotics right away. It was after a certain amount of time with my water being broken - (12hrs???) that they hung them. I have really long labors, so I had to be aware of this when my water broke. The longer they are exposed the more risk. Do discuss your concerns with Midwife - she may not realize how stressed you are about the situation. Deep breaths - there is always a solution!! You got this.

kdsmith43 · November 2015

I don't have any advice but I just wanted to say GL!

emzcat · November 2015

Thank you for all of the support, ladies. I've already started working with most of your ideas.

emzcat · November 2015

mom4liak said:
I was in the same boat as far as GBS+ and allergic to most antibiotics (with my first LO). I ended up with a CS but was premedicated with Benadryl and given the antibiotics. This was a decision that was made ahead of time and included being scheduled for induction so that everything was prepared and planned.

I am definitely going to talk to my midwife/doctor about the above.

cloverp · November 2015

I was GBS+ with my first two and even having c-sections had to do the antibiotics. So perhaps consult with a doctor and see if it really makes a difference.

Unica1302+ · November 2015

I just tested positive and I did tons of research last night. Apparently there's 2 approaches to dealing with potential GBS the first is everyone gets tested between 35-37 weeks and gets treated during labor (US does this). The second is women only get tested if there is a risk factor such as delivery prior to 37 weeks, fever in mother, history of utis, etc (UK uses this method). The US used method is statistically slightly better but the difference isn't huge. Babies usually (90%) present with symptoms within 48 hrs and can be treated. And it's believed that babies that test + were infected prior to active labor. There's also research that waiting and seeing if baby is infected is better than just dosing the antibiotics as the antibiotics do affect babies new digestive system (not too much research on this).

I researched this bc my mother had a quick delivery and I was afraid I wouldnt be able to have the antibiotics in time (2 doses min with the first 4 hours before delivery). It made me feel better bc the stats are quite low with either method, even when mom isn't tested. Also lots of women test - at 37 weeks and then + at 39 weeks. Hope it calms you a little.

rerawalt · November 2015

As a neonatologist I see babies whose mothers couldn't be treated the antibiotics all the time. Usually there is nothing we do differently than when moms do get antibiotics other than I recommend no early discharge. If your water has broke for more than 18 hours before delivery or if you deliver before 37 weeks then your baby should get screening labs. The only reason to treat your baby with antibiotics would be if you or the baby show signs of infection. In you that would be fever, fast heart rate in you or the baby before its born, a high white blood cell count, foul smelling amniotic fluid or an unusually tender uterus. In the baby that would be fever, high white blood cell count, fast heart beat after birth, breathing or feeding issues. I have never seen a c section because of gbs but you might consider delivering at a hospital.

Please don't take my word for it since I am a random stranger on the Internet. If you google aap and gbs you can find the guidelines. Also talk to your pediatrician and an Ob to get other opinions. Good luck and I hope this helps

happylife7 · November 2015

Start taking a probiotic or even double dose. I tested negative for GBS but my midwife and Doula's both advised me that if I tested positive to double up on probiotics and asked to be tested each week until I tested negative. Some hospitals once you test positive always consider you positive but at least if you could get it to test negative before you deliver, you could be relieved that you don't have to worry about your baby catching anything. Obviously call your midwife and consult her before taking a probiotic just busy with anything.

SoFlaMommie1128 · November 2015

I tested positive for GBS and just found out today. My doctor didn't seem concerned, just to let the hospital know I need antibiotics upon arrival to the hospital, but I'm very worried about it.

emzcat · November 2015

SoFlaMommie1128 said:
I tested positive for GBS and just found out today. My doctor didn't seem concerned, just to let the hospital know I need antibiotics upon arrival to the hospital, but I'm very worried about it.

I'm sorry you're very worried about it. With antibiotics, the risk is extremely low: 1 in 4000. I hope you and baby will be healthy.

SoFlaMommie1128 · November 2015

Thanks @emzcat, I appreciate you reaching out. I talked to my doctor more today and she calmed my nerves about it. I just had questions about whether I need to get to the hospital sooner than I would if I didn't have it, which she said no, not really, that I should still be having contractions for two hours that are 5 mins apart.

SoFlaMommie1128 · November 2015

Also @emzcat did your doctor or midwife determine an antibiotic that you can have that won't cause an allergic reaction?

emzcat · November 2015

Not yet, @SoFlaMommie1128. She is testing the culture (?) for sensitivities and then I think we will go from there. SO and I have pretty much decided that not having antibiotics is out of the question, so hopefully something can be done. I've read about two possibilities that I haven't had: vapromyacin (spelling may be wrong) and ceflezen. It depends on what the culture is weak to though from my understanding. We will see!

I am feeling much more positive though after a day of crying and all the support here. Plus researching.

I am glad you're feeling more comfortable with the situation. I am confident you and your little will be good!

Lillymay93 · November 2015

I am also GBS positive and allergic to penicillin. My doctor did a culture against the GBS with azithromisen (sp?) So they are going to use that instead. Your doctor can also do a test on you to see if you are allergic to that medicine.

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