Hi all, I have just been tested for Strep B and its come back positive, my ob said he doesn't give AB now because their is no risk to the baby at the moment and does nothing to mother.
But just wondering do I get tested at birth again and then what? if I still have it do they give AB then? I have read in books that's what they do but is it the best thing to do? also what confuses me is do they give me the AB or the baby once he is born?
Anyone that can share their experiences I would really appreciate it
it does seem odd you were tested so early, do you know why you had the test now? 'normally' its not done til 36/37weeks.
The only reason you are given ABs is when you are in labour to protect bub. Bub is only at risk when it passes through the birth canal (as that is where the bacteria is and isn't normally on the skin esp. that of a little new born. So bub is not at risk now being nice and snug in you. (unless you rupture your membranes and that is a different story)
the thing with group B strep tests, is one day you can be positive, and next week negitive, it can change. so even though you are positive now I would actually ignore it and if you choose to have the swab closer to term. don't go off this swab for your labour
Not all drs and hospitals test now or routinely give ABs even if you are positive. The risk to the baby is very low and keeping a close eye on your NB should be enough to pick up if it develops an infection/fever that could be related. The need to give ABs just in case is questionable and doesn't guarantee that it will completely protect the baby anyway. Plus, ABs at birth mean you and the baby risk thrush and other complications, which can affect bfing and have potentially ongoing effects.
IMHO, A NB should be closely monitored anyway! I got tested so I and my m/ws would be aware if I was positive at the time of the test, but had no intention of taking ABs.
hi
i was strep b +ve with no. 1 tested around the same time as you were.
generally you get a dose via IV at labour from memory - however due to my birth being fast and in unusal places (lol) - i had 1 dose post birth.
With no. 2 i refused the test and told them to just treat me as positive. Again given after birth as it was a home birth.
thanks all I was tested because I was concerned I was losing a lot of mucus (sorry for the TMI) my ob checked my cervix to make sure it was still long which it was and then he did a routine swab to check if I had any infections... no infections but tested positive for strep b... I am glad that he doesnt' want to put me on AB now... guess I will be tested again at 37/38 weeks....
Strep B
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