Group B Strep - Beach Haven,NJ

I was also told that I had group B strep at 36 weeks when i was pregnant with my daughter. I was given the antibiotics without any problems. When i was in labor they hooked up the iv and you should have any problems. It is not a high dose either. You will be fine.

HI there! I went thru it to, it was really not a big deal at all. They gave me the antibiotics, and nothing about it ever came up, no side effcts, etc. Baby and I are totally healthy, nothing about Group B ever mentioned again. Good Luck.

although i didn't go thru this, several of my friends have, as this is very common. and there is nothing you've done wrong to contract it. the risk are many, varied and scary (blindness, death to the infant, to name just a few of the cheerier possibilities)if you opt not to have the IV antibiotics. don't even think about this one. just do it. good luck and good health.

Just so you know what the actual risks are:

15-20% of women have group B strep. Of those, about 1/2 of the babies will be colonized at birth. Not all of these babies will become ill. Only about 2% will become infected which is serious because infection has a 10% fatality. But that is 2 out of every thousand babies who get infected. Since there is no way of knowing which 2 will get infected, every group B mother is treated with antibiotics. Knowing what the actual risks are may help you make a decision. You can slightly decrease the risk of infection to your baby by declining cervical checks during labor, especially important if your membranes have broken.

Good luck

I went through natural, unmedicated labor. EXCEPT for my antibiotic IV for strep. I researched it everywhere, because I was so disappointed when I came back positive. But it's just not worth the risk for the baby. And they can give you a walking IV, so it's just taped to you when you're not getting the antibiotics. You're not stuck in bed or anything. You get the drugs a minimum of 4 hours before delivery, and then a couple more times after that.

And neither my son nor I had any adverse effects!

My friend and I both had group B strep during our last pregnancies. It was my 4th baby and her 3rd. Our babies came so fast they didn't have time to administer the antibiotics. Both of our babies were in the NICU for 2 weeks with a fever. (Mine was also 5 weeks early, her baby was 7 days late). The doctors said the fevers were from the strep. If it was not for the fever her baby would have only been in the hospital for the normal 2 days. So if you have the chance to take the antibiotics I would.

If you research this you will find the reason that the CDC says that only 0.5% of babies contract this from their mothers is because they now administer the antibiotics to the mothers to prevent the baby from contracting it. If everyone started refusing the antibiotics that number would go up. I have talked to many nurses in the public health department. They gave me some great information about it.

Hi E.,
Both of my girls were born early, so they gave me the antibiotics "just in case". I had no problems with it. The needle, of course, wasn't pleasant. But, both of my babies and I were just fine. I would never choose to NOT have the antibiotics. The risk, in my opinion, and probably in your doctor's opinion too, is too great. It's just not worth taking a chance with your baby's health. As with most issues, you should just discuss it with your doctor. No worries. I'm sure everything will be great! Good luck! And congratulations!

I've had this with my last 3 children and the antibiotics are no big deal at all. It is just one more IV, you won't even notice it. I read up that there are great risks in not taking the antibiotics, so I would strongly suggest you do. When you go into labor, I would suggest reminding the nurses that you have Group B Strep because I think you are suppose to get 3 doses of the antibiotic, so it is best to start it as soon as you are admitted to the hospital. I'm sure they will already know that you have it because it will be on your chart, but I always reminded them, just to be safe! Good luck, and congrats on your pregnancy!!
:) -P.

I have not idea if I actually had group b strep as my son decided to come before the test was administered. However, they did give me antibiotics as a precaution. No side effects for me. I have three kids and this after birth time was no different. But, keep in mind, each person reacts differently. Good luck and don't stress about it!

I was in the same situation. I too do not like antibiotics but I did choose to take them in this instance. If you don't or if they are not in your system for 4 hours prior to delievery (I believe) they then have to treat the baby with them and I did not want to do that at all. I did not have any side effects with either of my boys. Best of luck to you.

Hi E.! Congrats on the baby! I was GBS + with my second and got antibiotics in labor with no side effects at all.. I am also a maternity nurse who works in the well baby nursery. If you chose to NOT have antibiotics (which I don't see why you wouldn't since it protects your baby). If you were not treated with antibiotics (usualy pennicillin) and your membranes were ruptured for a long time or you had a fever in labor or your baby had a fever than the baby would be treated ("worked up" we call it) for sepsis, bacteria in the blood. that includes having a lumbar puncture and an IV and blood work and IV antibiotics. Why go through all that? Take the antibiotics in labor and all should be fine!
good luck!!

i would have them test you fro this again when you go into labor.
they have the antibiotics, and strep b comes and goes. why be put on an antibiotic if at that time you don't have it.

My second daughter I had group b strep. wasn't that bad the only problem I had was itching in the end. So it lasted for 2 weeks. Other than that I had no problems

HI E.,

Have no worries! I had Strep b with both of my girls. The older one I was administered the antibiotics and everything was fine. With my second she decided to come into the world so quickly and I did not get the full doseage of antibiotics into my system which means it didn't get into hers. So out of percaution she was put in the nicu (neonatel ICU). She was ONLY put in there b/c she had to have the antibiotics given to her and they do not do that in the regular nursery. I was actually quite happy about that b/c she got a lot of special attention there and Thank God she was only there b/c she needed the antibiotics. My girls did not have any side effects and have been very healthy. The Strep B does not hurt you in any way but can cause an infection in the baby when it passes through the birth canal. The antibiotic just prevents any infection. The baby is to new to fight off any infection it may pick up so thats why they need the antibiotic. I do know that I needed 2 doses of antibiotics and only a 1/2 went through my system when my little one arrived. Make sure you remind the nurses you are Strep B positive (it should be in your chart) and they will administer the antibiotic as soon as you arrive b/c it takes time to go through your system and then into the baby's body. Good Luck and you and your baby will be fine. Congrats!

I had it too & had no problems or side effects. Ask for yogurt with one or two of you meals afterwards so you can naturally restore the helpful bacteria to your system & avoid a yeast infection! Best of luck!

I had Strep with my 1st daughter and has the IV antibiodics. I am allergic to the stronger ones so had to have 2 doses rather than one. Other than hating being stuck to the IV pole that was easy! She was fine and healthy and no problems. I was told it is more MUCH MORE dangerous to not have the meds. I suggest that you make sur if you have med allergies you tell that to all your doctors and nurses but other than that it is the best thing for you and baby. Congratulations! Don't worry about the meds just concentrate on the miacle your giving birth to!!!! A.

Hi E.; Do not worry, I had it with 2 out of my 4 children. It was given to me at least half a hour before delivery and everything was fine. Good luck! M.

OMG Take the antibiotics. If you deliver vaginally,
which I do not think a doctor would allow, without
antibiotics, the end result can be meningitis if the
baby gets infected.

I had to have antibiotics with my second son. They administered them directly into the vein causing me to feel pain and a warn burning sensation in my hand for which they gave me an ice pack - but the pain wouldnt stop. I told my nurse, and she switched it so the antibiotics went through an IV with my IV fluids, and after that I didnt even know it was there!

I wouldnt worry too much about it. It really is no big deal. Just be vocal and advocate for yourself when you need something.

Good luck with the birth of your baby.

Hello,
i tested positive with both of my pregnancys. I had the antibiotics when i was in labor. It was no big deal it was given with the regular iv fluids. I don't think it is worth the risk not to get them, of course that is my opinion. Hope this helps,
J.

Hi E.!

I was told the same thing when I hit 36 weeks. Honestly, it's no big deal. My doctor had to break my water after I was admitted, and they hooked me up to the iv drip at that point. There was so much going on that I didn't even think about the drugs. I wouldn't worry about it! I promise, you'll have much bigger things on your mind by then!

Good luck!
B.

I never actually tested positive, but had the antibiotics for both of my kids. My daughter was early at 34 weeks and I wasn't tested at that point. They did the antibiotics just in case and I had no problems. I was swabbed for the test with my son, but it was a temp nurse and they couldn't find the results and he was born at 38 weeks (test was at 36 weeks), so again the antibiotics to be safe. I had no problems, both my kids were fine and to be honest, there was enough going on that I didn't even notice the IV in my hand!
I wish you the best and enjoy your Christmas miracle!
L.

I had to have clindomycin (im allergic to penicillin) because of group b strep when I was in labor. No big deal. I was able to beastfeed no problem and me and my husband joked with the doctor that at least I wouldn't get sick for awhile!!! lol I had NO bad effects. Don't worry and good luck!!

Turns out I had this too but didn't turn up until I went in for my scheduled induction (for medical reasons - I am on blood thinners). I was given the antibiotics through IV and had not problems. I actually forgot all about it until I read your request.

I had strep b too. Just take the antibiotics. It's better to be safe than sorry.

It was no big deal at all. Just had an IV during labor. I did throw-up, but this could just be a normal labor thing and have nothing to do with the IV.

Good news, though. With my second pregnancy I was negative for strep. So just b/c you have it for one birth it doesn't mean you'll have them for all your births...

Go for the antibiotics, better to be safe than sorry...

best of luck!

E.,
I also had a positive Strep B and it wasn't a big deal. Since I already had an IV in, they just added the antibiotics to the same line. There were no side effects and I now have a healthy and beautiful little girl. If you have an allergy to any antibiotics I would let your doctor know, but I don't know of any reason not to get them, it can only help your baby.
I hope this helps put you at ease.
Congratulations on your upcoming baby!

Yes with my 4th I went through this. All I can say is if you have quick labor get to the hospital early,they want the antibiotic in you for 4 hours before you deliver!! This was an act of god to pull off for me!! My labor tends to go really quick. My baby was fine no problems and I didn't even know I had antibiotics. I already had an IV for pitocin. I don't advice not having the treatment. Your baby can get very sick!! Do some research and get yourself informed!! Good Luck on an easy labor and delivery!!

I actually refused the test in the first place with both kids. I didn't want to be strapped to an IV during labor and introduce antibiotics to my baby first thing. MORE IMPORTANTLY, I found out that the CDC says that the percentage of babies that contract a GBS infection from mothers that test positive to Strep B is 0.5% I have heard of women treating Strep B with tea tree oil in an olive oil base or garlic and then getting retested a couple of weeks later pregnancy with a negative result. There is a good article about Strep B on the mothering.com website http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/birth_p...

and I'm sure if you poke around you can find more about natural remedies if you are interested in that route.
Good Luck!
L.

E.,

I was also Group B Strep positive. I took the IV during labor. I lucked out and my entire birth experience from the doc breaking my water to holding my son was finished in less than an hour! Needless to say, that wasn't enough time to even finish the IV. Therefore, the nurse gave my son an antibiotic injection right after the birth. As far as I could see, neither of us suffered any ill effects. Good luck with your upcoming birth.

I went through this with my first child. I had antibiotics, and then when she was born they gave them to her. If you refuse the antibiotics they are likely to tell you that you will have to have a c-section. There is no reason to not take the medication. Unless you already know you have an allergy, then they will give you a different med. Plain and simple, no side effects to anyone.

I had Strep and it was no big deal. I got the antibiotics through an IV at midnight the night before my c-section. There were no adverse affects on me or my daughter. I wouldn't take a chance on not getting the antibiotics and passing a virus on to your baby.

I had it with both kids, and took antibiotics both times (both were c-sections too). No allergies in either of them. My daughter is four and my son is one and a half. Just watch out for thrush since it's more common if you've been on antibiotics. My daughter and I had it when she was about a week old.

Yes, the same thing happened to me. After discussing everything with my doctor I decided to have the IV antibiotics during labor. There were no side effects. I would do it again. You can never be too cautious when it comes to your children!

I worked with someone whose wife was pregnant and the Strep was not detected until after the birth of the baby. Their son almost died and was in the hospital for weeks. Dont' take the chance. Take the antibiotics or you could risk losing your baby.

I also tested positive for Group B strep. I went with the antibiotics, but remember you don't have to have the IV in during the entire labor. They administer the antibiotics and then you can be disconnected. I had the Heb blocker or whatever they call it when you just have the little hook up thing in your wrist so they can administer an IV if they have to. It was fine. Something to keep in mind is that passing Strep B is VERY uncommon, but if you do, it can be VERY life threatening for the baby. Good luck with your up coming birth.

I was given the antibiotics when my second baby was born this past May with no ill effects. The only problem was that he came relatively quickly, and the time it took to administer the antibiotic was the time I could have been sitting in the hot tub! (After that, it was nearly time to push!)

My nurse-midwife said not to research this too much online, b/c there are a lot of horror stories - only to trust the CDC. But as another poster said, there is a risk to the baby of not taking the antibiotics, so if you're ever going to do it, this is probably the time. Good luck!

A.

If you decide to take the antibiotic and if you are susceptible to yeast infections then get OB to prescribe some anit-yeast medication (Nystatin). I developed thrush on my breast, not good, when you try to breast feed.

God bless and good luck,
G.

E.

I was also Strep B positive, I went into labor too quickly for them to administer the antibiotics and my son now a thriving 19 month old was put into the NIC U for our hospital stay and given antibiotics 2x daily. I spoke with my OBGYN and the peditrician we chose who both told me no side effects from having them during labor or to the baby post delivery.

Good Luck L.