Hi I was wondering if anyone has any experience of, or advice regarding Group B strep? During my 28 week midwife appointment today, I was informed that I have this. I had a swab taken over 3 weeks ago due to suspected infection/ thrush and It was through this It was discovered. Thanks C x

[Modified by: angelpup08 on 07 April 2009 16:09:54 ]

GBS is a very common normal bacteria that can live in your bits without causing any problems to you, but can cause big problems to your lo.

you should receive IV antibiotics in labour, and your new lo should be observed for 24hrs at least for signs of infection (high pitched cry, colour, temp etc)

have a look at this website...

http://www.gbss.org.uk/

I too found out at 28 weeks that i have group b strep. It doesnt affect you at all but can affect baby, but you should be offered antibiotics during your birth if you dont recieve the full amount then they take blood from the baby to check. But the risk is very small to baby just make sure the mw who delivers you knows. :-)
good luck
Jennie 37+3

Hi, I found out during my first pregnancy, during labour I was given IV antibiotics. I have been told every pregnancy I have to have the antibiotics during labbour. During my second preg I only managed to get one dose so they kept me and baby in for a few days and took swaps. Just make sure it is written or printed on your notes that u have GBS.

Good luck

17+2

Thank you for replying and all the great info. My midwife said that they like to give you the antibiotics around 4 hours before delivery, so does this mean when I'm in labour Its best to go in soonish rather than hang on until as long as possible at home like I wanted to do? Also she didn't mention staying in after? With my son I was out after 3 hours and hoped to do the same this time round x

Sorry double post x

[Modified by: angelpup08 on April 07, 2009 04:58 PM]

yes, it would be advisable that you went in that little bit sooner - our unit recommends that you have at last one dose completed at least an hour before delivery, but we do keep you in for 24hrs to check on the baby.

if you dont get the antibiotics in time, then we routinely give them the baby IV antibiotics for 48hrs until their blood culture results are back. it is a ball ache, but GBs can be very nasty, so well worth it!

Ok feel better knowing more about what will happen, and chances are everything will be ok, just a bit disappointing for me having to stay in but hey, small price to pay for making sure baby is well! Thanks again C x

I found out that I had group B strep after giving birth as they found it in my waters. Baby was given antibiotics for 48hrs and we had to wait for the blood cultures to come back negative. I think they can give you antibiotics to prevent you from passing it to baby.
I didn't have a clue what group b strep was until last week but my baby is fine think its very rare for your baby to be affected.
xxx

hey guys
i also have GBS, found out after having some bleeding at 6 wks!
I have been told i will need IV antibiotics and the baby will be observed!
however im planning on asking how this will affect the type of birth i want! anyone know? id like a water birth!
i think they say most women carry this infection, but is only harmful during delivery so there is no need to treat it untill around that time!

xxx