Bummed About Group B Strep Results

I am sorry C. that your birth plan was thrown a slight little curve in the road. Know that many women harvest GBS in the body and during pregnancy it just flares in the vaginal and or rectal area. You can still have a natural childbirth. Based on your distance from the hospital, discuss with your doctor at your next appointment what is the latest you can come to the hospital. you still can labot at home; but just need to be aware at how fast your labor is progressing.
Have them place on your prenantal that you want them ready to start the antibiotics upon your arrival so that it is all ready on the floor. Have the best IV starter on the unit start it so that it is gotton on the first try. Tell them you want them to use a "lock" on the IV so that when the dose is done, they can disconnect you. The Hep lock stays in, but is very small and the next dose can be hooked up really quick. If they do it this way, you can get the antibiotics in 30 minutes and be quickly disconnected. Just think that is only 4-5 contractions and the dose is infused. Tell the staff you want them to use lidocaine to place your IV in. This will numb the area and you will not feel it. Also you can choose to place your hand over the bedside table while sitting on a birthing ball and that way you will not feel or see the IV going in. The antibiotics should not burn. Tell the staff to make sure they are running a LR solution with it and they should not burn. It is all infused through the same IV, so no need for any extra sticks or needles. Do get the antiobiotics though. Do not try to get around them. I have seen some VERY VERY sick babies from GBS. The very reason testing has become routine.
Good Luck and congratulations on baby!

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You can ask for the IV to be placed in your foot. That way you don't have to look at it... but if you're planning on walking it will need to be taped up your leg so it doesn't pull free/ get in the way, and you'll need a longer tube to it can reach the pole easily.

Talk with your OB about that ahead of time.

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I was positive too... no big deal as far as the IV goes... It doesn't really hurt, and once it's in they don't have to poke you any more. I wound up having to have an IV in both hands because they couldn't fit any more drips in the first one (I was having some major blood issues...) and neither one bothered me once it was in. You can still be mobile too~ the IV hanger has wheels, so if you feel like you need to walk or whatever you can haul it around with you. (if the hospital will let you... I don't see why they wouldn't though)

I didn't even notice when they started the antibiotic... no burn at all.

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There is a topically applied cream, that can "numb" the skin before they insert the IV or any injection.
It helps... a lot.
My Dad, used to apply that, whenever he had to get IV'd, for dialysis.
Ask your Doctor about that.
It makes a difference.
ALSO, you can ask for a "butterfly" needle... it is skinnier/smaller... my Dad, again, would ask for that.
I ask for that too, whenever I need to get poked...

It will be okay... you will be okay... the IV is not that bad.... just psyche yourself out... look away, imagine something else and think about something else... 'visualizing' is what pro-Athletes do before major games/races. This also helps...
You do need to be treated, for the GBS...just think about your baby... and it will be okay.

all the best,
Susan

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I had Strep B w/ my 2nd & only my 2nd... but I have had IV's with all my kids if I'm not mistaken. I labor very quickly, so staying home is not an option for me... when my water breaks I'm to go to the hospital, but then again I was induced with my last two & if my water doesn't break by Friday - I will be going in to be induced w/ this one as well.

The IV is safe, I didn't feel any burning when the meds were administrated. I'm not found of needles & never have been, but after having 4 kids & one due any day - I've gotten use to them. Plus, I have had to see my kids with IV's in and been there for all their shots & blood drawls... so that might be part of why I'm getting use to them. My hubby on the other had - can't watch when they put mine in & sits on the other side of the bed cause he doesn't want to touch it.

You getting the meds - gives it to your baby... if you don't get it yourself - they may have to give it to the baby via an IV. Which means you'll still have to see the IV & personnaly I'd rather have it in me then in my wee little baby.

Just try to think of the little one that will be here soon... how sweet it is going to be & how you have longed to hold it. If it helps - put your arm under the blanket & don't look at the IV. Or see if they will wrap a wash cloth or small towel around your arm when the IV is & tape it so that you are able to use the arm, but not see it. The IV usually comes out shortly after delivery - so if won't be in the whole time you are in the hospital.

I wish you luck & congratz on the little one!!

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Congrats on your upcoming arrival! I also tested positive and was hoping for no iv. The doctor originally said that I would have to have an iv instead of a pill because your digestive system slows drastically during labor. As it turned out because I have a penicillin allergy, I was supposed to have a pill anyway. It was ordered from the pharmacy but didn't arrive in time as my daughter was born so quickly. I got the completely natural birth I was hoping for but my daughter was at risk since I didn't have the medication. I would inquire about a pill. Best of luck to you!

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I had a completely natural birth in a birthing center with my nurse midwife. I also had an IV for GBS. I labored on and off at home for about 5 days and then went to the birthing center about 4 hours from delivery to have the IV. I could have delivered at home if I had wanted to, my midwife would have brought the IV and penicillin there. It was a hard thing for me to accept too, I was disappointed also. But having the IV put in was completely unnoticeable and I am glad for the health of my child. Taking the penicillin brings the odds from 1 in 200 to a 1 in 4000 chance the infant will contract GBS. But I also learned from my midwife's colleague(also a midwife)that there are herbal therapies than can be done 2-3 weeks before delivery that a homeopathic physician can help with that are also effective if one chooses not to take antibiotics.

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Not sure if someone wrote this but...my daughter was born 6 months ago and I (GBS positive) was on antibiotics for less than 4 hours. She is healthy and no additional testing was done on her. The pediatric doctor told us that, they needed to monitor her "closer" for the first 24 hours. So, at our hospital, they check my daughters vitals (temperature, color, response, etc) every 2 hours or so. She's healthy and nothing came of it. Good luck and I wish you well!

Well I never labor. I just turn up and I'm 6 or 7 already. I never really feel labor till I'm 9 cm. I know you hate me. Everyone does. Just know that my 9 months before it is horror. I get something for that I think.

Anyways I was positive with my first so that make me positive for all my children. I get the anti's no matter what. With my daughter I went in for a regular old check at 36 weeks, got checked and I was already to 7 having contractions and didn't know it. So I rushed to the hospital and by the time I got there I was 8! So they got me in there as fast as they could. Before I was even officially admitted they had the iv in me and were running the anti's wide open. I had to get two bags in me before I could push they said. Didn't happen I got one. Oh and god did that hurt... my arm was burning. But after wards they just watched her temp was all. No extensive testing.

With my baby I just had, I got there at 6cm (for a 37 week induction because of a complicated pregnancy) and I had the baby less than 3 hours after I got there. Again no 4 hours for anti's. I got I think it was a bag only down but they gave me stronger stuff considering the last time. Again they just took his temp alot and all was fine.

So I wouldn't worry about it too much. I would try and get there for the babies sake. Not so much your's just incase. But I've never gotten two bags down in 4 hours since my first and it's meant nothing.

But that is just my experience.

You have chosen to give birth and become a mother (again). If you can find the courage to do that, an IV should be nothing. = )

I understand that many people find needles scary...But am also surprised. Did you know one of the most generous things anyone can do is donate whole blood and/or plalets? Yea, there's a poke or a jab...But there is the reward of a selfless act. I think this is very similar to birth and motherhood...We go thru a lot of agony to bring our kids into this world but get to enjoy a pretty great reward.

Hello!

I had GBS with my first child, but not with my second, so it is not something you're destined to get every time.

With my first, I had to be induced at 41 weeks because of high blood pressure so I was getting an IV anyway. I have had many IV's in my lifetime thanks to dehydration, surgery, childbirth, etc. and will tell you that it really is NOT that bad! I can also say that it is MUCH worse to watch someone else get an IV than it is to get one yourself, so take that worry off your mind. It will be over before you know it and you will truly forget it's even there. I agree that you should tell your nurse about your needle anxiety so they can be sensitive to that.

As for the burning - I was induced for 32 hours and had to have the antibiotics every four hours that entire time just in case labor started. (It never did, even with tons of pitocin, but that's another story!) The first bag of antibiotic didn't feel bad at all. I barely noticed it in the IV. The second was like a little mosquito sting. The third was uncomfortable. By the fourth, they wrapped my arm in an ice pack (which I highly recommend!) because it was painful and when the fifth bag went in, I will not lie, it raised me off the table in pain. The point is: They get worse as you go and since you seem to labor quickly, I doubt you'll need more than 1-2 bags and those first couple are not painful at all!

I hope this helps put a few of your fears to rest - best of luck with the delivery!

I hate the IV in the hand myself and will likely have a 3rd induction due to gestational diabetes this time (can never win). Anyway, I asked the doc about having IV in my arm, which she said they can do, AND I will ask for a phlebotomist as they are SO much better at this (nurse can never get iv in my hand!!!).

Receiving IV antibiotics is not mandatory. In fact, you can choose to get NO treatment, if that is your preference. There are many women who choose to not even get tested at all so they don't have to deal with the decision of whether or not to go on the IV. The US only started this screen in the last 10 years or so, and many first world countries, including Canada, don't even bother to screen for it. Your doctors and midwives should ALREADY be vigilantly watching your baby for signs of infections, etc. within hours and days of birth - whether it may be GBS or anything else. GBS isn't the ONLY thing that could "go wrong" bacterially speaking, it's just one of the ones that current healthcare trends have chose to focus on. With that said, I think there is good reason to opt out of the IV antibiotic if it is something you feel strongly against. See this page for a discussion of women who either chose to opt out of the screen altogether or opt out of the IV: http://www.mothering.com/discussions/archive/index.php/t-...

Should you still want to take precautions, there are alternatives to the IV. See the section on this site titled: "Can GBS among newborns be prevented?" for an overview of some options. http://www.betterbirth.com/groupBstrep To sum those options up: you can receive antibiotic injections prior to and/or during labor. They are not as strong as the IV, but a compromise if you still want to go the antibiotic route.

The other option is to wash with a Hibiclens wash. It is a chemical wash you rinse with every 4-6 hours during labor. The CDC doesn't officially approve it, but studies in Europe have demonstrated its a safe an effective alternative to antibiotics for GBS prevention.

You will have to be a bit assertive about using one of the alternative methods, as your hospital/doctor will no doubt tell you that the IV is what's best and blah blah blah. Do a little research on the alternatives if one of them appeals to you and be confident when you approach your doctor to express the route you wish to go, and present your reasoning confidently and concisely. Your doctor certainly wants what is best for you and the baby, but you also can have a say in what you think is best. The hospital can't require to get the IV, or require you to get ANY treatment, so it really is your choice. Do a little research and seek out some alternative opinions and go from there. Good luck!!

It is frustrating and I too was a needle phobe - gotten better after the last few years of two kids, two c-sections and an unrelated abdominal surgery... I don't remember burning at all. The worst part is the initial stick when the put the stint in. If they do it right, it doesn't hurt after that.... the best one I had was put in my forearm so it didn't move and irritate me as much as in the back of the hand.... depends on your veins.... Ask the dr. for alternative locations for the IV and how long it might be in.

DEFINITELY do it however, it's best by far to be safe than sorry for you and especially the baby!

Congrats!!!!

I wound up on antibiotics w/ my first because my water broke. You probably have a bunch of good answers here, but I was in tears in the middle of labor because 24 hours after I got there, they set me up for an IV, and a good chunk of the reason I wanted natural labor was so I could MOVE and not be hooked up. The surprise for me? They gave me the antibiotics, left the IV hook in, taped it up, and I could do whatever I wanted! They gave me IV antibiotics every four hours, but it only meant sitting on my bed for about 10 minutes. And, as labor drew to an end, they let the spacing get longer, so I didn't have to be on them while I pushed. I know that doesn't allay your fears of needles, but I was surprised at how easy it was to get the antibiotics and NOT be hooked up all the time. I could even get in the tub and get the hook completely submerged--NO impediment to whatever I wanted to do, at all.

it isn't super fun, but after a little while there is so much else going on that you don't even notice it. At my hospital I will still able to move around and even get in the tub. good luck!

I had GBS with my oldest. I have small veins so the IV is difficult for me, but that isn't what bothered me most. Being on antibiotics throughout labor, even though I had a short labor, caused us to have problems with yeast infections and thrush during nursing. Or if it didn't cause it, it certainly didn't help. If you end up getting the antibiotic IV, I would talk to your doctor in advance about preventing thrush and yeast infections. Maybe he/she can recommend a probiotic or some other steps you can take to be prepared? Good luck and congrats.

I tested positive with my second and I thought it was a load of you know what. I did some research on it and it's something that comes and goes from your system. It may not even be present when you give birth. I took probiotics for a week prior to labor-to gear up for the antibiotics. I wish I would've fought more while in labor not to have the antiobiotics, but I gave in. I only had one round (there's supposed to be two) because I had my son quickly through natural childbirth. Because of the antiobiotics we had multiple issues with thrush, horrible diaper rash and lots of pain on my end of breastfeeding. I apparently should have started earlier and taken more of the probiotics. As you may have picked up on-this is still a sore subject for me. My advice would be to do some research into natural options. Probiotics never hurt, so start now and take the highest dosage. And labor at home as long as you can.

I tested positive for GBS with my second child. I went to the hospital at about 10:30 PM with irregular contractions. They sent me back home because "it could be hours". By 2 AM I was back and had 3 contractions between the car and the OB ward. They barely got the needle in before I started pushing - so I hardly had any of the antibiotics in my system by the time he was born. He is happy and healthy. I would make sure that you know WHY they want you to have the antibiotics, so you can decide whether or not it is absolutely necessary. I have had to have the IV with each of my additional pregnancies. You need to make your own decision on this one. But also, let the hospital know your fears about the needle. Make sure that they put their best nurse on this one if you do decide to take the meds.

I didn't have GBS, but instead had a pitocin drip via IV. I won't lie, getting the IV kinda sucks. If you're having contractions you are somewhat distracted though. I wouldn't describe the initial dose of medication (though our medications differ) as pain, but rather a coldness that just felt odd.

Like some others have said, definitely TELL them. If you tell them they can be better prepared to go slowly, be a little more gentle etc. I'm also a neddle phobe and after my first pregnancy I'm getting better with blood draws etc, but the IV remains a phobia.

This isn't something I'd risk. Group B strep can be very very harmful to the baby. Some babies even die from it, granted that's not very common, but it still happens. IV's aren't painful, just a little annoying. The only thing that's painful (so to speak) is the initial stick. If you go in to the hospital when you start your labor, they won't have to give you the antibiotic all at once, they'll do it slowly.If you labor at home and come in when you're dilated, then they'll leave the IV wide open, and yes..that can burn. I've only had c-sections, so I can't speak to the pain of labor..but, I can tell you that the IV was absolutely the least of my concerns when I was in the hospital. I would imagine that you'll be focusing on the contractions, not the IV. Personally, I wouldn't want to take the risk of harming the baby.

I understand how you feel. I had my first baby very natural. I was only in labor 3 hours and when they went to do my IV it was too late. With my daughter I tested positive for GBS. Everything about my childbirth was still very natural, i just needed antibiotics. I still walked around, felt fine. I think that considering what could happen to the baby, it is worth a little needle prick. If you have a good nurse, it shouldnt sting for more than a second. tell them you are afraid of needles and maybe they can find a nurse that best fits your needs. I never felt sick when I had the antibiotics in me. Im sure different people react differently.

Hi C.! I am a HUGE needle-phobe and I didn't even notice the IV going in! The nurses are so good at it!

Definitely get the antibiotics! I became sick with group B strep as an adult and it started to attack the lining of my heart. Very scary and very dangerous......think if a baby got it!

Contrary to info by another poster......just because you test positive for one pregnancy, does NOT mean that you automatically test positive for the next.

With my first I was GBS positive but no one bothered to tell me that I had to have 4 hours of IV so I labored at home as long as I could and arrived at the hospital at 9cm. They started the IV as soon as they could but only had the meds going for a couple of hours before he was born. As far as I know they didn't do any testing on the baby afterwards. I would just go in when you feel comfortable. The placement of the IV was the worst part of my first delivery but after they finally got it placed (it took like 4 people!) I never felt any of the meds going in or anything.

btw...my second delivery was much faster than my first. I was only in labor for 3 hours before I got to the hospital and I was complete and ready to push when I got there.

I had to have the IV for the same reason with my first child. I also hate needles so while they did it I talked to my husband on the other side of me about whatever was on the tv at that time to get my mind off of it. The IV that is in your arm is like a plastic so it doesn't hurt and you can bend your arm. They first put it in my hand but had to move it to my arm because when I grabbed the side of the bed during a contraction it would stop the iv so make sure they put it in the arm right away. Better to go at the beginning of labor to the hospital to get it going because second deliveries normally go a lot faster than the first and you don't want to put your baby at risk.

I tested positive with Group B strep with my 2nd as well. I made it to the hospital at 9pm, they got the IV started at 9:30 and my son was born at 10. I didn't get the 4 hours they recommend and my son is fine. I don't like needles either (lab draws, IV's, spinals, etc), but you do what you have to do. Don't pay attention to it, don't look at it and you should be fine.
Don't know if this helps, but good luck

While I had a c-section for my twins birth, I did also need the antibiotics for the Group B strep. I had an IV already in, but I didn't notice any burning when the antibiotics were delivered through the IV. You'll be fine! I used to be a major needle-phob like you. What will help is to remind yourself that you are doing this so that you child can be born healthy. It's just a tiny little sacrifice, and you'll make it through.

After what happened with my sister after birth of her son I wouldn't risk going without antibiotics. I know I delivered all three of my kids without an IV or pain meds and with my second I tested positive for GBS and received antibiotics but didn;t have an IV. I am also allergic to "Cillins" Amoxicillin and penicillin. so I don't know if that makes a difference, I would just check with your OB and see if there are any other options. But My sisters son was born and she had GBS and she didn't receive the medicine and he was in the hospital for a long while because he got sick.

there are other options I am sure...and I hear you on the no needles thing that is why I delivered pain med free...although this last pregnancy I had hyperemesis and ended up getting well over 60 IV's inserted during the first 4 months but he...still did no drugs for delivery.

My 4th & last pregnancy is when I tested positive. But when I went to the hospital, for no reason other than I was tired of being pregnant, they told me I was only 1 cm & to go home til my next Dr appt. The nurse checked my temp & blood pressure one last time before I was going to leave & my water broke & I had an excess amount of amniotic fluid so it was pouring all over the floor & on the nurses shoes & she started screaming & the bed I was in was broke. The nurse checked me & I was at 6 cm. The nurses started panicking looking for a Dr cause she went home to eat lunch & getting me in a bed that worked & setting up the delivery room. I went from 1 cm to 10 cm in 35 minutes, I pushed once. But I never got my IV with antibiotics there was to much chaos. I now have a healthy 3 yr old girl.