Group B Strep: To have the test or not?

[LadyNoor]

Thanks, Heaven.

Yes, you see I read that in some countries pregnant women don't get routine screen for GBS, i.e UK. So in a way it's like adding fear towards birth, which isn't necessary...

Argh, I'm so confused... But will have a good discussion about it, and I have 3 weeks before making an absolute decision.

[Heaven]

Yeah, I'm in Australia though! Weird.

[LadyNoor]

Lucky you never had to make such a decision!

[BellyBelly]

When I used an Ob for my first born I asked why he wasn't offering the test to me (not that I wanted it!), he said that he would only bother with ab's if the baby was premature, the waters had been broken for some time or if I was showing signs of infection - so he didn't believe in a preventative approach, but a wait and see one which I was happy for. He also said that he could usually tell if a baby had strep b by smelling it, they had a distinct odour to them. As you also know, they can check the baby's temp post birth too. So I never had the test with my two children, but I did birth in hospital, and I will do the same next time. He said it's one of those things that goes in and out of fashion a little, it doesn't happen often, then a case will pop up so everyone will be majorly vigilant again. I'd assume you'd have alot of contact with your IM and you can always do temp checks from home? Either way chat to your IM and see what she thinks.

Have you seen the thread in the natural therapies forum for the garlic procedure for vaginal infections? You're at the perfect time to start doing it

[LadyNoor]

Kelly, thanks for sharing your experience with your OB. Yes, my midwife explained to me basically the same thing your OB told you. She, of course, doesn't want to decide for me that's why I've been doing some readings about GBS - that's when I came across a story when a situation went bad. It is, however, as I understand very rare.

Yes, I read about the garlic treatment. I have to admit I'm scared of putting anything in down there. Believe it or not I could never use a tampon!! I think I have a really weird phobia about putting things in there...