Group B Strep Infection at 29 Weeks Pregnant

I tested positive for group B strep with both of my pregnancies. They give you an antibiotic through an IV, no big deal. Most deliveries give you an IV for fluids or in case of an emergency anyway, so they just run a bag of antibiotics for strep B thru it.

2 moms found this helpful

i had it with my oldest. doc said it wasnt to worry about, they just give an IV antibiotic during labor. he said tons of woman have it and baby and i would be fine that the antibiotic would take care of it. and it did. with my second pregnancy i tested negative. thank the Lord that you have a proactive OB who is putting the health of you and your baby in such a high standard!!!!!

1 mom found this helpful

When I tested positive I freaked out. My mom was positive (they didn't test back then) with her last child and my sister was very sick when she was born. She almost died from this and other complications. But I was assured by several people that this is pretty common. I was induced and was given 2 rounds of antibiotics and had a healthy baby boy. Congrats!

1 mom found this helpful

I tested positive. I was put on ABs when I was in labor, but it otherwise was a non-issue. My OB said it was better to be positive and have a plan of action than to get there and find out. It's a common thing for women and flares up sometimes. Only really a problem now and then, like during labor. I wouldn't worry, just don't delay getting to the hospital if you water breaks and tell them you're + for it. My DD was healthy and I had no ill effects from it.

1 mom found this helpful

Antibiotics during the birth - that's the only difference. If you go in quickly or early, try to remember to tell the hospital though. It's one of those easy things to miss.

1 mom found this helpful

I was positive for all 3 of my kiddos. Just meant IV's before delivery...no worries. Make sure you mention it as you are admitted into the hospital so they get on top of it fast if... you are progressing quickly.

As you can see from all your responses...you have many in your club!!

Best wishes and congrats on the upcoming delivery of your baby!!

1 mom found this helpful

I was positive with my first and didn't get antibiotics during labor because I went faster then they thought I would and didn't have time. My son thankfully didn't get it passed to him. If you get the antibiotics there is nothing to worry about.

1 mom found this helpful

Hopefully in doing your research you saw this is very dangerous if passed on to the baby, that is why you have to make sure and get the antibiotics in before delivering. Not trying to scare you, but it's the reality of it. Alot of women are carriers of this and there's no way of knowing until your tested for it. And no as long as you get the antibiotics, it's not a big deal.

1 mom found this helpful

I was positive for my first, but negative with my second. With my first, they just did an IV during labor....make sure to mention it at the hospital when you arrive. With my second, they wanted to do the IV just in case but were unable to as I was only at the hospital less than 30 minutes before my second daughter was born. All was fine with both girls!!
Good luck and positive vibes your way for a safe and easy delivery!

1 mom found this helpful

As everybody has said, it's a normal part of your vaginal flora. I was on the fence about taking the antibiotics during labor (there is some serious question about whether it is necessary and/or smart to give them preventative) but I wanted to go home home right away after giving birth, so I decided to get it.

For me it was not a big deal. My water broke first so I made my way to the hospital to get the IV and then went home to wait for labor to start (I wanted to labor at home).
My daughter was born within 8 hours of the antibiotics IV so I never got a second dose. Had I been in labor longer they would have given a dose every 8 hours. I was released from the hospital with my daughter the same day she was born (no overnight stay) as I had wanted.

1 mom found this helpful

I had this also. Just mention it when you register at the hospital. The doctor and nurses weren't too concerned about it. They just put me on some IV penecilin while I was in labor.

1 mom found this helpful

I tested positive with both of my pregnancies, but I wasn't tested at 29 weeks. I believe I was tested at about 34 weeks. I was given IV antibiotics toward the end of my labor. When I arrived at the hospital in labor, they had my Strep B result in record already and were aware that I tested positive.

1 mom found this helpful

I was group b strep positive for all three pregnancies. As the other responders have said, during your birth you'll be on IV antibiotics. After the baby is born you need to remember to mention it to the doctor if your child has any illness (that's what they told me anyway).

1 mom found this helpful

I was positive and had on dose of iv antibiotics and delivered an hour later. The doctor said they prefer two doses four hours apart and it took about an hour per dose. My son had an elevated level that can be an indicator of infection and the current recommendation is 48hours of ivs for the baby then per our doctor. So our son went twice a day to receive his meds and then the value was rechecked. Sometimes values can be high from birth, but it was recommended to do ivs for him just incase. There can be some serious side effects, but it isn't very common. Trust your doctor and what they recommend, it could change. Just remind them when you call about going to the hospital you are positive, since they may want you there earlier and let them know when you get there too.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi!

You need to read a book called Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha McBride. In the book, she talks about how the gut flora is important for good health and the development of children. Babies get their gut flora through vaginal birth and from probiotics in their mother's breastmilk. I would strongly recommend supplementing every day with a good probiotics - one with multiple strains of good bacteria. Take it every day you are breastfeeding. Consider giving your baby probiotics as well. You can prevent a lot of health issues in yourself and your child by supplementing with probiotics.

My twin boys were given two rounds each of antibiotics in the NICU. One developed extreme pain and constipation at three months old. Luckily, we started him on probiotics at that time which relieved his pain and constipation.

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

You definitely want the antibiotics. I had it with both - not a big thing at all. You won't even notice it. Very common

1 mom found this helpful

Seeing all the responses, I'm so glad I decided to have my babies at home. I tested positive with my first and negative with my 2nd. During my first delivery, I did a wash called HibiClens once every 4 hours after my water broke (total of 3 or 4 times). My son was born healthy with no complications at all. I know that won't be an option for you in the hospital, but from what I've heard, it's no big deal (for those who don't mind IV's that is).

1 mom found this helpful

With my son they didn't have a chance to test me before I went into labor, so they just did the IV antibiotics just in case. We didn't have any problems.

1 mom found this helpful

Very normal vaginal flora of majority of women... you can go thru periods of having it present and it not being there. I was + with first born, - with second. No big deal.

Midwives give the antibiotics thru IV during labor also... but they do it intermittently WITHOUT regular IV fluids, because they allow you to eat or drink as you wish. IV fluids are meant to try and keep you hydrated, eventho they help not at all with hunger and losing energy due to not eating calories.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi B., I tested Positive with all mine but one. I didn't do the IV as I, 1)hate them 2) think unnecessary antibiotics are abused. My babies were all born naturally with no problems. I believe that it's up to you what you believe. Doctors are not Gods, and it's your body. Good Luck whatever way you decide. Having a baby is Awesome. Congrats!

1 mom found this helpful