Strep-B

They can do it a number of different ways..... But, don't be worried !!!!
I had Group B Strep w/ my 2nd child (was never tested w/my 1st, and didn't have it w/ my 3rd).... My doc. only treated me at when I went into labor, but as I said there are many different ways to do the treatment..... And, treating while you are in labor is the best way!!!!!!

Hi,

This is really common, so don't worry. I don't know why they tested you so soon though. I thought it was something that was done in the last month of pregnancy, which is when mine was done. All my DR said was that they would give me antibiotics when I delivered, which they did. Everything went fine and I never took anything else.

like the others, i just wanted to assure you that its no big deal. just part of the normal flora in some women. i am surprised that they even tested you, AND gave you meds at this point? the only time it is of concern (minimal at that) is during delivery, and they would normally give you a dosage of antibiotics with an iv at that point. but to treat you at 14 weeks? sounds to me like your doc is just a little overzealous with the antibiotics and you should question her reasons for giving you so much. let us know what she says!

Hi J.,

I was Strep B positive with both my boys. I never received any meds until I was in labor.

They started IV antibiotics when I got to the hospital with my first delivery. If I remember correctly, they gave me one dose and then another 4 hours later. The baby needed nothing since he got the meds through me.

With my second delivery, they only had time to give me the first dose and then I had to deliver without the second dose. They kept us in the hospital for two extra days to monitor him.

I made sure when I checked into the hospital that I told the doctors and nurses that I was Strep B positive, so it wasn't overlooked in my file.

It is very commom and nothing to worry about =)

I tested positive for this as well when I was pregnant with my first child. I never had to take medicine for 3 days though. I just had to have certain type of IV the whole time I was at the hospital. They also advised me that as soon as I felt like I was in labor to get to the hospital because the IV needs to start as soon as possible. So, if you think you are in labor, don't put it off. Everything turned out fine with both of my children and myself. I wouldn't worry about it. You will fine.

I don't know a whole lot about it, but I do know that with all 3 of my pregnancies (3 diff. docs and 3 diff.hospitals) they didn't do the test until around 35 weeks. it seems a little early for the strep b. I would call your doc and tell her what you have heard and ask her take on it and the reasoning why she did what she did. If you don't feel totally comfortable with what she is doing then get a second opinion. I will say this, even though I was tested at 35 weeks I was informed that I would just need meds before delivery if I was positive so I don't really think that is any different thanwhat I was told. Good Luck!

It's surprising that they even checked for it so early. I would ask your Dr why (though my youngest is now 2 so things may have changed). I tested positive for Strep B but didn't have to take anything ahead of time, they just gave antibiotics in my IV during labor. Good luck!

They usually do the test for group B strep later in the pregnancy, but since she for some reason did the test early, they'll go ahead with treatment before your delivery. Also, when you've had a history of beta strep, they'll medicate you for subsequent deliveries as a safety measure. If you had tested negative, they would have tested you closer to your delivery.

J.,

Really it's not a big issue with strep-B, as long as they give you antibiotics at least 4-6 hours before you actually deliver your child. They will give you some strong antibiotics in the IV during delivery. Strep B, is naturally in women. Some of us, just seem to have more of it then others. They like to treat it when found at first. The testing at 35 weeks (if the office does it) is only as a precaution. Because even if they find the elevated levels and give you antibiotics again, they will still give it during delivery. Strep B, can be harmful to the baby during delivery, if not treated, but other then that, it really doesn't harm you. I had it with my first son, and the antibiotics were through IV, so once that was in my system, he was fine. If it was a huge issue, the OBGYN's would let you know. I had it again with this twin pregnancy, however, they aren't going to have to worry about it, since they have planned a c-section. If you want more support or need more information, please let me know.

Thanks,
T.

I tested positive with my 2nd baby. I wasn't tested until 36 weeks. I went in labor too early with my 1st and I don't remember any antibiotics. My OB also told me this was no big deal, but I went searching. I found that for mom, it is no big deal, but for baby, very big deal. But, it is only a problem as they pass through the birth canal & vagina. I was given 2 doses of IV antibiotics 4 hours apart. My daughter (2nd) was born with no problems. I don't know what this means for you this early, I would press my OB. I didn't even know that they did the test this early. Good luck

i'd tested positive for group b strep, as well, and the only round of antibiotics that i had to have were through an IV a few hours before i delivered. do you have an updated version of "what to expect"? because they change some of the information every couple of years or so.

All patients who test positive fro strep -B are given IV antibiotics every couple oh hours during deliver. They are started as soon as you arrive. It is usually ampicillin, penicillin-V, cefazolin, or clindamycin depending on your allergies. You would be suprised the large precentage of women who require this.

Don't fret, your OB will make sure you receive any necessary treatment.

The baby can also get post delivery doses of ampicillin and gentamicin empirically if indicated.

I also tested positive for Step-B when I was pregnant with my son, who is now 14 months. It's not a big deal except in some very rare cases. I wasn't given any medication before labor, but during labor I was given two rounds antibiotics in my IV. My son had no problems because of it, and it really wasn't an inconvenience for me, either.

I tested positive for this as well. With my first one and again with this pregnancy. I didn't take any meds for three days but I had an IV when I was in labor. They tested me pretty early for this one so maybe it dosen't matter when they do it, who knows. It just means your a carrier but you can pass it along to your baby during delivery if you don't have the antibiotics during delivery. Good luck with the pregnancy!

I delivered a baby, he was infected with G-B strep. Terrible, Horrible, experience that our family will never forget. I tested negative, but after nine weeks of pre term labor and then 36 hours in active labor, with the water broke for over 18 hours, he didn't stand much of a chance. It was a difficult for few weeks with him on life support in the NICU. But once he finally turned the corner, he got better. Now he is our little wild man, he's almost four and full of life!!!
My S-I-L tested postive, and gave birth 2 weeks after me. But with meds for the Mommy our niece was born with no issues, they did give our niece meds to be safe after she was born. They were very scared knowing our soon was still clingging to life. But her experience was good. She just made sure that every medical person that came in the room, knew she was GB positive.
ALSO AS A SIDE NOTE!!!!!!!!!! My son never passed through the birth canal I ended up with an emergency c-section, my son was never in the birth canal, he never dropped. I had 2 normal deliveries with no GB at all. Then the third with. If you switch doctor after this one and get pregnant again normal protocal is you will receive meds for each delivery after as well. Better safe than sorry.
N.

Hi J.! I also tested positive for Strep-B with my second child. I was never given any medication during the pregnancy, just at delivery. I wouldn't be concerned that she had you take the medicine now. The most important part is that you take it during the delivery. Only reason I could think of for you to take some meds now is maybe the chance that the strep-b could infect the amniotic sac if it were to travel up that far. Thats just a thought I have, don't know if that could even happen. Just make sure you have it at the delivery. Good Luck and Congratulations. K.

Hi J.!! I had group B strep with my first daughter. I don't know if you will be induced or not, but when I went in to be induced they just gave me IV antibiotics the night before my induction and all went well. I didn't have any problems with my second daughter (luckily since there was no TIME for an IV with her-she came in 20 minutes!). Anyhow, good luck, and I'm sure all will be well. TRUST YOUR OB/GYN--THEY ARE DOCTORS AND IT'S THEIR JOB TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A HEALTHY BABY!!!