37 Weeks Pregnant And Just Found Out I Have Group B Strep?
OK well Im 37 weeks and 4 day pregnant and I was just tested for Group B Strep on monday and my test results came out positive. I didn’t have it with my first pregnancy but got it with this one. I looked it up on the internet and read a lot about the topic and how harmful its can be for the baby if you don’t get antibiotics before the delivery. Now I’m like freaking out because I’m so afraid that my son will be born with GBS, a deformity, or even die. Another worry of mine is that i wont make it to the hospital in time to get the antibiotic since it says that you should get the antibiotic 4 hours before delivery. My next doctors appointment in on monday which i plan on asking them but i was wondering if getting induced is safe. I was thinking about this option that way i can make it to the hospital and get the antibiotic before they induce me for the safety and well being of my son. Has anyone got this done. Any advise would be great. Thanks
First of all, calm down. This isn’t really something to worry about!
Many women test positive for Group B strep, as you probably learned in your research. While four hours is the optimum time for the IV to be administered, anywhere in that time window is probably acceptable – I test positive, too, and had my baby three hours after being admitted, and everything was just fine.
Just because you test positive now doesn’t necessarily mean you can be positive when the baby’s born; it’s just a precaution. It doesn’t mean your baby will get sick. The reason they don’t test you sooner is because it’s totally normal for it to come and go, and they wouldn’t get results in time by doing it while you’re in labor. You can look up things like Betadine douching beforehand as a method of treating it, too, which is what I’ve heard some midwives recommend. There’s no real reason to induce because you may not even have it at the time of delivery.
How long was your first labor? Chances are you will have enough time to get there and run the IV, unless you have precipitous labors (three hours or less). Talk to your doctor and he/she will probably reassure you and put your fears to rest.
ETA: “For women who are group B strep carriers, antibiotics before labor starts are not a good way to get rid of group B strep bacteria. Since they naturally live in the gastrointestinal tract (guts), the bacteria can come back after antibiotics. A woman may test positive at certain times and not at others. That’s why it is important for all pregnant women to be tested for group B strep between 35 to 37 weeks of every pregnancy.
If you are at a low risk, the decision to use antibiotics is up to you. There are herbal remedies that you can take 2-3 weeks before delivery that a midwife or homeopathic physician can recommend.” http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnan…
I was diagnosed with group B strep in my 1st pregnancy, and I was put on antibiotics right away to clear it up before I even came close to delivering. Personally, if I were you, I would call your doctor’s office tomorrow and ask to be put on antibiotics immediately, as you are concerned with the safety and wellbeing of your unborn child, and tell them that. Stress over something like this is definitely not something you need at this time in your pregnancy, and I do not blame you in the least for being very concerned, I would be in your case.
I was actually tested postive with my son for strep B and I have to say that you sound like you are worrying yourself 2 much. I had no problems at all. Just hooked to the antibiotics when arriving to the hospital. My doctor also informed me that it was common in women years ago (when I was born) and they did not know to test for it then.I would imagine that if it was as bad as some reading makes it sound (I did a lot of reading 2) there would have been a lot of problems with children dying and other various problems in that time witch i found no information on. Hope this makes you feel better. You dont need to stress thougth that can cause other issues.
Everything is going to be fine. You are getting yourself all scared for nothing. Stop reading up on it so much. You know in advance that you are positive for it so as soon as you get to the hospital they will start administering your antibiotics through your IV. Women deliver every day with GBS and have healthy babies. That’s why they test for it 3-4 weeks before your due date so they can be prepared. I promise everything will be okay you just need to stop stressing out. All it’s going to do is cause you to be a frantic mess when labor does start. So, be calm momma. God bless and have a wonderful Christmas.
dont freak out it sounds bad but its not really. the doctors will administer the antibiotic as soon as u get on your iv. even if u feel like u didnt get it on time these days and time babies born here in the usa dont suffer form strep like the books say. they can treat the baby b4 strep even shows up in the baby. i know u cant help it but please ease your mind the baby will be just great. honestly thats the last thing u can worry about affecting the new born. hope this helps