Group B Strep

Updated on February 08, 2008
R.M. asks from Temecula, CA
15 answers

Hi everyone,

After much deliberation I think my husband and I are thinking of trying for a third baby. However, one thing I hadn't thought about was the fact that I turned out to be group b strep positive with my daughter. It blindsighted me because I was negative with my son, and I remember I spent the rest of my pregnancy in a panic even though my doctor was constantly trying to reassure me that it would be fine. I just couldn't stop reading horror stories about it on the internet and really stressed myself out. My daughter ended up being fine, despite having a quick labor and not enough time for all of the antibiotics they gave me. So my question is, is being GBS positive a reason NOT to have more children? Is it actually as common as my doctor told me it was or was he just trying to make me feel better. :/

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A.T.

answers from San Diego on

I also tested positive with my second and not my first. I was very worried about it. I had a quick delivery and had no time for any antibiotics. Luckily my son did not get it. So I'm guessing it really is as common as they say and I would not let it keep me from having more. But that's just me. I don't have any special medical knowledge.

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H.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

R.,
I'm not expert, but I too was positive with my second child, and when I got preg for the third time it wasn't even mentioned again, so I will assume it's not an issue. Don't worry, so much is what I have learned. I stressed out so much with my first one that my hair was falling out in clumps, and my doctor told em that I was doing more harm to me and baby by stressing out then I would if there were actually something wrong. If you weren't supposed to have more kids our doctor would let you know.

Also remember if your looking for negative info on anything, I have learned the net is the fastest way of finding it.

I found lots of helpful info here though

http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/birth_p...

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E.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

i tested positive for gbs with my first and i'm getting ready to have my second and have tested positive again. i was worried with my first-but everything was fine. my water didn't totally break-but it was leaking early into my labor-so i went to the hospital to get the antibiotics. i just assumed that i would test positive with my second pregnancy-it seems to be quite common, and no reason not to have another child.

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A.D.

answers from San Diego on

Well reading the other responses my adicve is about the same. I have four little ones my third pregnancy Iwas positive and fourth i wasnt. So if want another baby the go for it!

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B.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

testing positive for gbs is not that uncommon, and it comes and goes -in all of our bodies -all of the time. it can also successfully be treated with an herbal protocol, as io did in my second pregnancy. i would not let that fear get you! try for baby # 3.

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D.V.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have tested positive for that with both my pregnancies. With my first I had a quick delivery and they did not get the drugs to me in time. My daughter did end up getting sick and was in the NICU for 6 days. She was fine and happy just needed antibiotics for her white cell count being high. With my second I made sure they gave me the stuff right when I got my IV in. I had a very rapid delivery with her and all was well. She went home with me after the 2 days and is a very healthy little girl. I would not say dont have kids due to it. It is very common, alot of mom's I speak to have it.

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M.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

HI there,
We just had our third child one year ago and it has been a lot of work but wonderful to see the sibblings play and laugh together. They are all so close...
I had group b strep with the 3 pregnancies and absolutely no pb. at all. For the 1st pregnancy, th Dr. informed me I was a carrier along with a large percentage of women who have no idea about it and mentioned that I would get an IV of antibiotics during labor. She also told me it was extremely common and absolutely did not make a big deal out of it. My second and third child were delivered by a different Doctor who had the exact same approach.
Don't even think twice!!! If it is the only thing holding you back, it is not a valid reason!!!!!
Best of luck.
M.

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S.M.

answers from Honolulu on

Being tested positive for GBS didn't stop me one bit from going for child number two. From what I was told the biggest threat from GBS is after the water breaks the baby is the most susceptible. The mother can't wait around the have birth, the baby needs to come out asap. The hospital also but me on antibiotics right away (IV drip) (you know how some women can spend days with a broken water and still not give birth? not such a good idea when your GBS positive). After my children were born, there were put on antibiotics (like immediately immediately) for a few days (three to be exact) three times a day. After that we went home nice and happy with no problems. I say talk to your doctor (or other doctors) more to get the most information and confidence you need to have this third baby. I can only tell my experience, and it didn't really hinder child bearing process at all.

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A.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

I was Group B Strep positive with my 1st, not my 2nd, then again with my 3rd and 4th. I too had quick labor with out time to receive all necessary antibiotics. All babies were happy and healthy. I hear a lot of women having it. Have more, I wouldn't worry about Group B Strep too much. Although I really enjoy my 4 children, I often tell my friends with 1, 2 or even 3 children that they should stop. Once you hit 4, life isn't as active as you might like. =) Best of luck!

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J.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

I wouldn't worry about it. I am Group B positive as well. I am currently pregnant with my second daughter. I know a few other people that are positive aswell. I believe it is very common and nothing to worry about. Just make sure you get to the hospital as fast as you can to make sure you get as much antibiotics as yyou can in your system and hopefully your baby will be fine.

~J.

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L.A.

answers from San Diego on

I was positive with my first son, and negative with my second, so don't automatically assume you will be + again! It really is insanely common, and not at all the huge deal it used to be. If you're really thinking that you want a 3rd, go for it! If it was really a concern, the doctor would warn you. Good luck!

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C.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I was positive with both my kids and had no problems. The doctors were just cautious and put me on antibiotics during delivery. I don't think it's a reason NOT to have another baby.

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E.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

I know of people who tested positive with their first and then nothing with the second. Like you said your daughter came out fine. I am sure your dr is aware of the previous siutation and will do all they can to make sure you get the same result!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi R.! Group Beta Strep can be stressing. I can definitely understand your need to know the whole deal.
The medical staff in nurseries and L&D are quite prepared for this. It is helpful to get three doses of antibiotics before the rupture of membranes. That being said, if that is not possible, it's ok! Bear in mind that even if you have GBS, your infant might not. So the nursery staff will assess for infection and continue to do so until you and your baby are discharged. If for some reason your baby is suspected of having GBS, they are simply put on antibiotics and monitered for changes. Then the factors that indicated GBS (temperature increase, lab tests, ect.) are rechecked for progress in the right direction. This might mean an extended stay by your infant, depending on when the symptoms start showing and how quickly your infant responds to the antibiotics. I know that might sound distressing but remember-if GBS treatment is all that's going on-that means your baby's heart works fine, your baby's lungs work fine, development has gone beautifully, indicating that all the major players are doing well.
Have another baby if you feel comfortable. GBS is by no means a reason not to, but in the end it comes down to you and your husband's feelings to make this decision.
Good luck to you!!

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A.A.

answers from San Diego on

Hi R.!

Group B strep is actually a bacteria that is in EVERYONE's digestive tract, and is SUPPOSED to be there.... sometimes though it moves to the vagina, which is perfectly healthy for us, just not for our babies. 1st off, your doctor was not lying to you, 40% of pregnant women test positive! It is very common, and as you know, interveinous antibiotics generally takes care of the problem. If you are worried that you may not get all the antibiotics in time again, or just don't do well with needles, there is another option! I know it sounds silly and may be hard to believe, but BEFORE you are tested for strep B (usually at week 34) spend the 2 weeks prior to the test doing a garlic suppository at night (yes, this was actually suggested by my midwife) and it should clear up any strep B before you ever go into labor -- and your test should come back negative! (note: the garlic clove should be "perfectly peeled", in other words, be careful not to nic the garlic when peeling it, cause that may cause a little bit of burning, although it is not dangerous. Also, it only needs to be left inside you at night while you are sleeping, it should come out on its own in the morning, or be right there for you to grab) Again, I realize a lot of people would be skeptical, but really, what do you have to lose? And I know a number of women whom it worked for! Definitely worth a try if you're worried! Good Luck!

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