swabs

[Sharon19270]

OK, well it has been 6 years since my last full term pregnancy and today at my Ob appt as I was leaving and already in reception (so couldn't ask any questions as there was way too many people waiting) he informs me that at my next visit I have to have a Vaginal and a Rectum swab! What The...

Now I know for a fact I didn't have these done with my last DS because I would remember something like that. My question is, what are they for?

[Nicambhar]

I have heard of vaginal swab at 35 weeks for Step B, but have no idea what the go could be with a rectal swab.

[Alan]

Hi Sharon
They are to test for Strep B.
Most places no longer do this test routinely as the strep B bug comes and goes. You could test clear today and then be infected with it tomorrow. However if your baby gets infected it is quite easy to treat but if left untreated baby can become very ill. The first and main sign that baby is infected is a high temp within the first 24-48 hours after birth.

[Macca79]

I was tested at 34 weeks but they only took a vaginal swab. My OB said some older OB's do a vaginal and rectal swab and others only do a vaginal. A friend was tested with her last three boys but not with her first so Im not sure why some OB's do and others don't.

[Karina]

I also had to do a vaginal swab around 35 weeks for strep B. I did the swab myself. Then they somehow "lost" my results, then they magically reappeared. Did not have to do a rectum swab though.

[Lulu]

OMG! I've never had either......never heard of it either until now!

[The[cookie]Doctor]

Yeah i had one at 36wks and did it myself - just dropped it into path within 24hrs and all was good.

If you test positive for strep you'll be on a drip during your labour (least thats how it worked at my hossy).

So far as i know they shouldn't have to do both, just one or the other should be fine.