Strep B - experiences

[juleswa]

Hi Everyone,

Early on, about 6 weeks in, I tested positive to the strep b bacteria, with the doctor then commenting that more than likely will remain and that I'll have to have IV antibiotics during labour to protect baby, which brings me to two questions....

Does being on IV antbiotics mean I won't be able to be as active during the birth?
and
I have to say I'm not a fan of bubs receiving antibiotics before the poor little thing is even born? and upset of digestive flora before we even start?

My sister had a baby 2 years ago, and they never tested for StrepB at all, so wonder really how much of a risk it does pose? Obviously if there is a perceived risk, then health of the bubba comes first and I'll do whatever has to be done, but want to be a bit more informed.

Anyone else had an experience with the Strep B issue that can shed some light? I'm a couple of weeks away from seeing my Ob again to ask her all these questions, but would love to hear of some personal experiences.

Thanks

[rose]

I don't usually get tested till around 36 wks. They say it can change so the earlier you get tested the less acurate it is. I was + withall three and expect the same with this one. I get thrush real easy so I figure if I was pos with three why not four.

1st one bubs got the shot and had to be monitored for 24hrs before feeds.
2nd I got one dose iv (protocol had changed by then and mum got it not bubs) before bubs was born. She had to be monitored due to me not getting second dose of iv
3rd I got both doses in before bubs arrived and bubs didn't not need monitoring. Yay, I could feed and do my own thing.

As for the labor, I think I was only in bed, or not moving around much for the 2x5min of the drip. Otherwise I was as mobile as anyone else.

You might want to check about the earlyness of your test.
best of wishes

[krisp]

I had strep B with both my cherubs. With Ewan I had a drip and the antibiotics were put into the bag of saline and took ages. With Paisley they were injected straight into the cannula and took just a minute. Paisley had terribly sticky eyes for a couple of weeks and the peadiatrician said it could be the Step, Ewans eyes were fine as he was born via CS.

[Stars69]

Hi Jules, I just got tested for this last week. The OB said if you are positive and don't ahve the antibiotics it can have all kinds of illness consequences for the baby as it moves down the birth canal.

I remember a post from Maz advising that without the antibiotics it can cause menigitis etc to bubs.

Can you ask to get retested?

[~Trish~]

There are a couple of previous threads that may answer your questions:

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...ease-help.html

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...0-strep-b.html

HTH

[SammyRo]

I had the strep b test at my 36w check up. Don't know the results yet, but the mw explained that if i was +ve, they would give me 2 doses of antibodies via a needle so that i wouldn't need to be fixed up to a drip. it needs to be given at a good interval before the birth of teh baby, so it can get through to them. I'm not a medical person, but i'm assuming its better for the bub to get antibodies via my blood than it is for them to get it via an injection, so it shouldn't be too much of an issue in terms of feeding. and i assume its better than not having the antibodies and them picking it up as they pass through the vagina. again, i'm not medical so if anyone wants to correct me, feel free!