so im sure all you ladies have probably already gotten tested for group b strep and I just had my done. I was found to be positive. When the doc told me my results she really didnt elaborate on it too much so I went home and researched more about it. As im reading i am becoming more and more nervous. I know that it is harmless to me but it can be deadly to the baby. They told me i'd have to get antibiotics while in labor to g et rid of some of the bacteria and although that was a little reassuring the affects of group b strep to infants are scary. They can contract a blood infection, meningitis and some other things. I am thinking about asking for a scheduled c-section. I'm not sure if it would help any but right now I am so nervous and I just want everything to be ok. Please pray for me and my son whenever he decides to make his debut

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Oh, hon, I'm sorry this has you so upset. I've been there. My first suggestion is to quit researching the Internet about it. It will make you crazy! I tested positive for it with my 3 year old when I was pregnant with her and it had me so upset at the time too since I also didn't get a lot of information about it at first. I was in shock and worried and didn't ask enough questions at the time and did the whole researching the 'Net thing. I then talked to those who had been through it for reassurance though and that helped. Then I talked to my OB about it in detail the following week and really felt better after that.

It really and truly is nothing serious at all as long as you get the antibiotics...I promise! I had the antibiotics with my dd and made it to 6 cm dilation with her before I ended up with a c-section. So she was in the birth canal and could have contracted it IF I had not had the antibiotics. But the chance of that happening with the antibiotics is pretty slim so I wouldn't worry too much. Just make sure you remind them (even though they will have that on your chart, I was told to always remind them just in case!) to give you the antibiotics as soon as you arrive.

I am having a repeat c-section this time so I didn't think they would even do the Group B Strep test on me this time. Wrong! I had it done today. They want to make sure they test me in case I were to have my water break on its own or something so they could do the antibiotics if that were necessary. They are especially cautious since I did test + last time. However, you can test positive with one pregnancy and negative with another though so I won't know until my appt. next week what my results are. I am truly not worried this time...esp. since I don't forsee going into labor or having my water break on its own anyway.

You and your baby will be just fine. I know it's scary as I've been there but I'm here to tell you...it sounds scarier than it really is. Antibiotics and a little faith and prayer and all will go well. Hope that helps ease your mind a little anyway.

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it can be a scary thing but the thing is with most problems with babies/children is to be prepared for the worst but expect the best outcome. also, even if you dont get the antibiotics its not a given that your baby will get it. the only other thing i can think of is to be prepared for a 48 hr stay just so they can watch your lil one a bit closer. im sure you will be just fine. hugs

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Just wanted to let you know that it's quite common and anything researched on the 'net is apt to scare your socks off (BTDT way too many times).

Chances are extremely high that your baby will be just fine, especially if not born prior to "full-term" (37wks), with a healthy mom (no fever), and within a reasonable amount of time after membrane rupture. FWIW, I've been positive, too...I've also been negative. You can be positive one day and negative the next. While I have done abx (antibiotics) during labor/birth, after MUCH research, my DH and I have opted out this time...for the safety of our baby. (Antibiotics also kill the good bacteria in their little guts and we decided we definitely prefer to avoid the much higher risk infections such as E. Coli, etc...then again, we're planning our first homebirth, so hopefully won't have to worry about hospital germs this time.)

I am using natural preventative methods instead (garlic, probiotics, etc)...I also have a midwife who keeps a very close eye on the baby. (Plus this is my fifth. ) I'm in no way trying to start any sort of controversy at all, just sharing that I've been there and what my DH and I have personally decided is best for our baby this time. HTH! And, really, being GBS+ is not as uncommon as you might think; however, a baby who becomes infected under normal birth conditions is very, very rare. Chin up!

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Yes, as Melissa said, GBS + is actually pretty common. I have known quite a few people that have tested positive at least once. My pregnancies have been like night and day so I am curious to see if I will be + again this time or if it will be different from last time like everything else about this pregnancy has been.

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Thank u, after reading this I def. slept a LOT better for nap time!! I didnt know that GBS was common in pregnant women. This is my first baby and I worry over everything that could possibly pose as a threat to his health. I was pregnant not to long before this and miscarried because she had health issues so this pregnancy has had me worried out of my mind constantly. But we made it this far!!!

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Group B Strep info (including how to test neg.)

We just talked about this in due in july a few days ago it's honestly nothing to worry about, I am opting out of the test and the antibiotics, and watching baby after he is born. Which obviously since I'll be so in love, I'll be watching him anyway

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I agree with the PP, GBS is common, and even if you test pos it is possible for your baby not to get it even if you don't have the antibiotics.

My SIL has had 3 kids, tested pos. (heavey growth) with the last two and opted for no meds. She treated it at home the ways Melissa listed (garlic, probiotics, etc.). Both her babies were fine and healthy! So don't fret!

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