Group step B

[cathie5]

Just wondering if there is anyone else out there who has group Step B.

[JDsMum]

I had this with my last pregnancy.....didnt have any problems with myself or Abbey when she was born. I just had to get to the hospital quicker so they were able to administer antibiotics to me while I was in labour....sucked having a drip in but after it was done they took it out and just left the cannula in so I could have active labour.....

[Trillian]

I'm assuming you have tested positive for it? If you have, it's really nothing to worry about as the test is only a snapshot of what is going on with you at the time the test was done. The bacteria lives in the body and most of the time is harmless. You are unlikely to still be positive when you give birth, but as a precaution they will give you abs to cover you as the baby can get ill if you give birth while positive, but the abs would prevent this and your baby will be monitored as well.

[MummaBear79]

You're right Trillian. I dont understand why they do it so long before labour. I had the swab done at 36 weeks and within hours after birth, my son became very very ill with Group B strep and was in NICU for a week. If they say you have it Cathie, id get the antibiotics because group B step in a bub can be very scary.

[Rosebud]

I tested positive with my last pregnancy. However, someone neglected to tell me the results and transfer them to my antenatal/delivery summary. I only found out when DS contracted late onset GSB at 3 & 5 weeks of age, almost losing his fight for life both times Every day I count my blessings that at the time he was already in the NICU. It happened all so quickly within a matter of a few short hours.

I had been receiving iv AB's but they were ceased 2 days before his birth. It wasn't until 30 mins before he was born that I received another dose. It was thought that he contracted late onset GSB from the bacteria that may have still been on his body from birth. Being a premmie, he was still in an isolette and was yet to have a bath.

But on the other hand, a friend tested positive and had no issues what so ever.

[Little Chicken]

They do it so long before labour because he test takes 24 - 48 hours to come back and if the waited for labour bub would have been born by then. Also for the antibiotic cover they like at least one or two doses at least 4 hours prior to birth to ensure they have reached bub effectively.