Ok,its getting really close to my due date(10/31) and I'm getting VERY stressed out, literally having anxiety attacks about what i should do. After my daughter was born (she's 4 1/2) I ended up having to have a D&C after LOTS of bleeding around 1 month after she was born, then shortly after I had a rectal fissure.. It ended up being so bad that I had to have the surgery, which they cut the spincter muscle to release some pressure. I still have not felt 100% since, I still have constipations issues and sometimes some pain when having #2. Ok so now I just found out that my GBS (Group B Strep) test came back positive! what the ......... I didn't even know what it was, I sure do now after lots of research. I understand its fairly common and that is they give you antibiotics, theres a good chance the baby won't contract it, BUT if the baby does it could be deadly! Read about it if you haven't heard about it yet. The baby usually comes in contact with the bacteria after water breaks and is in the vaginal canal. C-section does decrease the chances of baby getting it. So with all this history - WHAT should I do.. Go for Vaginal birth again or just go C-section. Please give me you opinions or experiences! I appreciate it much !
My daughter was born 10/31 6:23 am .. Everything went fine with the GBS and the fissure issue (so far). We named her Samantha Lynn
Thanks to everyone for the responses!
I would have the C-Section. I have had both of my childern by C-Section. It is a painful recovery. for about 2 weeks, then it gets easier. But better then the chance of the baby getting the bacteria infection. The ONLY good thing with the C-Section is that you know what day and time you are going to have the baby!
A. ~
Hi, I'm an OB nurse, so I hope this helps! First of all, relax. We've been testing and treating for GBS for about 10 years. Some women have it, some don't. I would NOT have a c-section just for that. The recovery is alot tougher! You will get penicillin in labor (or Clindamycin if you are allergic to penicillin). We like to get 2 doses in before delivery, they are 4 hours apart each. You'll keep getting it every 4 hours until delivery. We also watch the baby for any signs of illness. Some pediatricians like the baby to stay 36 hours instead of 24 hours after delivery. Usually you'll see respiratory symptoms, but it's treated. The problem with the baby is if there are symptoms and the baby doesn't get treated. Any baby we have that is showing signs of respiratory issues always gets a blood culture and CBC to check for infection as the cause, and we start that baby on antibiotics (a blood culture takes 2 - 3 days for results, so we start treatment until we know we can stop it). We have lots of GBS + moms with no problems. And a c-section is not a guarantee! You could plan a c-section and still have your water break before you are scheduled. I think you should deffinitely go with a vaginal delivery and let us do the worrying for you. Are you deliverying at Oakwood or Wyandotte? (just out of curiosity!) I work at Wyandotte. :)
Everything will be fine!
D.
ps ~ feel free to email me if you want.
I understand your fears. I have the same history you have. Most people will probably assume your major fear is the GBS. Yes, you want your child to be healthy-I am sure you have read that penicillin is a very effective measure. They will give you a large original dose (be SURE to request ice-it can be very sore when it goes in) and then they may give you two + more doses depending on labor time. The issues of fissures and your surgery is a whole different problem. Most women do not know the SEVERE pain they can cause. I had them after my second baby! You are probably more prone to them now. Surgery is risky as you don't want to run into bowel incontinence...If people have not had them they will not understand the agony bad ones cause. Have you talked to your gastro doctor and asked his/her opinion. They will be able to give you a good indication of the risks!!! If it was just about the GBS I would say go for a vaginal delivery ....as for the fissures, I would get some solid medical advice before making your decison!!!! Brining your new precious baby home should be a joyful experience!
Why take chances? A planned c-section is not as bad as an emergency. I've had an emergency c-section, a vaginal birth, and a planned c-section. I'll take the planned c-section any day. It's not as bad as some people would make it out to be.
Of course, check with your doctor to get his/her opinion!! That's worth much more than mine!
However, my personal experience: I was GBS positive during both my pregnancies, and received the antibiotics during labor and had no problem. It's fairly common.
I was very fearful last year for my second delivery, as I had such a difficult recovery after my first daughter was born (pushing 2 hours, 43 minutes, vacuum delivery, 4th degree tear through the rectal muscle, fistula infection 6 weeks later -- YUCK!). Amazingly enough, my second delivery was completely different. Another vaginal birth, same size baby with the same size head, and NO tearing or stitches at all, and pushed for only about 20-30 minutes. I was so relieved!!! Every pregnancy, labor and delivery is different. Don't worry too much about it -- your doctor will do what is best for you. Good luck!
My little sister tested positive as well. She had penicillin and had a vaginal delivery. Don't do a c section unless its a must. Good Luck!
GBS is very common and rarly has an effect on the baby. You will recive an antibiotic during delivery and if you don't have the meds long enough they will give the baby a shot of antibotic at birth. I have had GBS will all three of my girls and never had a problem and I also know alot of women who have had it. Please talk to your DR about all of your concerns. They will reassure you.
I would go for the Vaginal Birth. I have had both and think that the V recovery was so much better!
relax and enjoy the remainder of your pregnancy!
K.
Hi,
I had GBS with my son and delivered him vaginally. Once my water broke they started me on antibotics right away. When he was born he was very healthy. They continued him on antibotics for the next 36 hours as a preventive before he was sent home. I would not worry to much about it. I think it is more deadly when the doctors don't know you are carring GBS or individuals that don't get medical attention when they are pregnant.
Just like everyone else has said, be sure to express your concerns & fears to your doctor, and I am sure that he/she will give the best recommendation.
However, if you are that scared, a c-section does not have to be that bad. I have only 1 delivery under my belt, and it was a scheduled c-section. No labor, no pushing, just went in to the hospital, cut me open and I had a baby! I had a very easy recovery IMO. A lot of pain the first couple of days, but after 1 week I was off any pain meds and was doing just fine. But I also had previous abdominal surgery so I kinda knew what to expect.
Everyone's experiences are different...some have had horrible experiences and some are great...and that's why its best to just talk with your doc and follow their advice.
As far as the GBS test goes, so long as you make it to the hospital before you deliver, you should be fine. I was also GBS positive when I had m son (born July 2008) and I was given a dose of penicillin before delivery. They monitored him after birth to see if everything was fine, and it was so we had no complications whatsoever. I would verify with your doc to make sure that the c-section isn't recommended, but I am sure you will be fine! Good luck to you!
