I went to the lab to pick up my third trimester test results before my doctor’s appointment and, of course, I’m too curious to wait for my appointment to see the results.
So, I started flipping through and everything looked fine until I got to the last page:
Group B Strep = Positive
Great. Just great. I really wasn’t expecting that. I tested negative with Zoë, so it never crossed my mind that I’d test positive this time.
All I knew about Group B Strep was that you have to go to the hospital when you first go into labor to get IV antibiotics. I really didn’t think it was a big deal… just more of a pain because I don’t get the opportunity to labor at home.
When I got home from my appointment, I told my husband that I tested positive for Group B Strep and of course he had a million questions that I couldn’t answer. So, on the Internet I went.
Let’s just say I’m a little freaked out!
Here are some of the stats I found:
- Group B strep is normally found in the vagina and/or lower intestine of 15-40% of all healthy, adult women and its not an STD
- I have a 1 in 200 chance of delivering a baby with Group B Strep infection if antibiotics are not given
- I have a 1 in 4000 of delivering a baby with Group B Strep infection if antibiotics are given
- Group B Strep can cause inflammation of the baby’s lungs, spinal cord or brain
- 15-20% of babies with Group B Strep die from the infection
- A C-Section will not prevent transmission of the infection
Even though I avoid medication whenever possible, I’ll absolutely be heading to the hospital right when I go into labor to get antibiotics. Apparently the ideal treatment is to get two doses of IV antibiotics, four hours apart.
I’m really disappointed because after my last birth experience, I was really hoping to labor at home for as long as possible. I know I’ll get over that because my baby’s health comes first. But I’m still disappointed… and a little scared.
Have you tested positive for Group B Strep? Did everything turn out okay for you and your baby?
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Girl, even though I tested negative about a week ago, look at the stats you found. Even if you’re not treated with antibiotics, your chances of giving it to the baby are 1 in 200, that’s half a percent chance! If you’re planning on taking antibiotics, the chance is pretty much non-existent!
Don’t let these news scare you, your labor will be harder if you’re sitting there worrying about it for nothing.
I know! It’s just much scarier when you think about the fact that someone has to be that one person… I’m sure everything will be fine though. And I really appreciate the supportive words
I tested positive with my first, negative with my second. Had IV antibiotics with my first. I have been doing a LOT of research on this because I know that having an IV will hinder my natural birthing process somewhat (although it isn’t impossible!!).
I have an appt with my birth center/midwives on Monday and have been planning to ask them to explain this to me in more detail.
Also, in order to prevent the bacteria from transferring to the baby, the colonized mother is given IV antibiotics during labor “if her bag of waters has been broken for more than 18 hours (when the risk for contracting GBS increases).” This quote is from the following article:
http://www.birthingnaturally.net/birth/challenges/gbstrep.html
Second, remember that Group B strep is a transient bacteria. It comes and goes. I believe that my diet right before birth and testing with my second helped me to come out negative (eating yogurt, healthy foods, no processed foods or sugar, getting lots of rest and water). So even if you test positive at 37 weeks, you may be negative at the time of birth.
Here is another site with lots of helpful info:
http://www.naturalchildbirth.org/natural/resources/prebirth/prebirth22.htm
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for sharing your experience and the links to the articles. I think because the CDC recommends IV antibiotics, that’s what most doctors go by. Since I’m birthing in a hospital, not at home, that’s what they’ll be doing. Luckily, since it’s only every 4 hours that they administer the antibiotics, it’s not a continuous infusion, so I should be able to get up and walk around in between doses. Thanks again!
It’s just much scarier when you think about the fact that someone has to be that one person… I’m sure everything will be fine though.