Positive Group B Strep

I had antibiotics before delivery, and everything was fine. I did stay one extra day because of it, but I believe that is standard procedure. You will both be fine. Congrats to you!!!!

6 years ago I was in your shoes and so I know how daunting the info online can be.

I, too, tested positive for Group B Strep, but had no complications during my pregnancy. I was on IV antibotics from the time I was admitted and my son was born totally healthy. I've had several other friends since who have tested positive for it as well, and all of their babies were totally healthy as well.

The only word of advice I can offer is to let your family know that if for some reason you go into labor and are unable to speak for yourself, that they need to inform the hospital that you are positive for GBS. I made sure I told my hubby, friends, parents and co-worker, just in case!

Hi D.,

I was Group B posotive with my pregnancies and your OB is right, it's NO big deal. My best advice to you is to MAKE SURE the nurses remember the antibiotics. With my first daughter, they forgot and my Mom was actually the one who realized it wasn't given, (luckily she remembered before baby was born) and everything was fine. With my other babies, the nurses remembered but again don't let them forget. Just bring it up while they're hooking up IV's and getting you situated so they hear it from you directly and not just written on a doctors file. I don't remember actually staying longer because of this reason but if it's recommmended than go for it. I took an extra day after having my 3rd baby (C-section delivery) because I knew I was gonna have my hands full at home and it was almost like having a vacation at the hospital getting food served to you, all the help from nurses you need, relaxing in bed with just you and new baby.....you get the picture! : )
Congrats on your baby and good luck to you!

I have never dealt with this personally but I am a nurse and debating on whether to get my nurse practitioner liscence in women's services. I do know about this condition. It is a big concern for your baby due to beinig delivered vaginally and having an immature immune system but it's not a big deal as long as you are receiving antibiotics. You will get two rounds of antibiotics during labor and one either during delivery or after delivery. If the baby comes unexpectedlly fast then they will give the baby a shot of antibiotics just to be careful. The moms do stay maybe a day longer than usual that is it. Some even stay the recommended 24 hours for vaginal delivery or 48 hours for c-section. It really depends on your doctor, the baby, and your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respirations) for how long you stay in the hospital.

D.,
I was like you when I found out with my 3rd baby, there was a 9 year gap between my second and third. My doctor even told me that a lot of women have it including herself. That made me feel a little better, but I was like how did I get it. She said some women just produce more bacteria. Anyway, she first told me that I too would have to be on antibiotics during labor. However, we later talked about having a c-section, main reason was my son could be very large, I actually wanted a c-section, I had too vaginal deliveries and all my sister's had c-sections, which it seemed a lot easier, and it was. Since I did have the c-section it wasn't an issue at delivery.
However, my son was in the NICU, I think they gave him a full bath after he was born, anyway, they said he couldn't keep his temperature, and so they put him in NICU. He was the largest baby in there. They started him on 48 hour antibiotic, he stayed in the hospital for 3 days. All his lab work came back fine there wasn't anything wrong with him and he really didn't even need the antibiotics. I was so mad at the hospital, don't worry it was in San Antonio. But they said since I did have the Group B Strep that's why they started him on it. They also said they had to watch him because I had diabetes, I have NEVER had diabetes, so you can see there are many issues I had with the hospital.
So, with that all being said it didn't affect my son, again I had a c-section and not a vaginal birth.

Good luck, don't worry too much!

Hi. I had it with my 1st pregnancy, but not my 2nd. I was induced and was able to get both doses of the antibiotic before I delivered. The antibiotic did burn a bit as it went in, but it wasn't terrible. My daughter was fine after delivery and neither of us had to stay in the hospital longer than usual. It's best to start the antibiotics at least 4 hours before delivery and to get 2 doses in; if this does not happen, the pediatrician may want to keep the baby in the hospital at least 48 hours after delivery to monitor for signs of infection (and may give "preventive" antibiotics).

I was group b positive with both my pregnancies. With the first one they gave me oral antibiotics (they really don't do this often anymore though) and with the 2nd they gave me an IV of antibiotics once I got to the hospital. My son came very quickly though, so I did not receive the full dose. They kept us in the hospital for 48 hours to observe him and make sure he was fine and he was :) Also, the extra time in the hospital was nice and gave me some time to relax and enjoy being waited on by the sweet nursing staff! Just try and get to the hospital as soon as you can once labor begins so that you can get the full dose. Good luck!

No worries:) I would ask about being induced however, but that is just so that you can ensure that you get two doses of antibiotics in you before delivery. I actually had it with my 4th too, and am about to find out if I have it with my 5th. I am typically induced, so we just started my antibiotics immediately and because I was able to get both doses in, the baby did not need antibiotics, and we left 24 hours later. She was...and still is..perfect:) One word of warning, the antibiotics that they put in my IV felt like they were burning my arm inside. It really hurt actually. So, they gave me a warm blanket to help immediately, and then diluted the antibiotics with saline I think to make it easier. After that was done, the rest was great. Most doctors wont induce until 38.5 weeks, but with so many previous successful labor/deliveries, you should be able to do it around then. Good luck, I am sure everything will work out great!! Congrats on your big family..they are lots of fun!!~A.~