Question for ya...

[megdaniel]

Okay!  So I just got a call from the OB nurse at my doctor's office and she said I was a carrier of Group B Strep!!  They found it in my urine sample I gave last week.  She said I will have to be put on antibiotics right away and will probably have to be on them again while in labor so I don't give it to the baby.  She made it sound like this was

Comments

[fsb2005]

I don't know much about this. I know they test everyone when they are closer to their due date, and anyone who tests positive goes on antibiotics. There are some increased risks, but I don't think it's a big deal, and lots of people test positive. Since you've tested positive now, almost for sure they will put you on antibiotics for labor, even if you test negative at the later test.

So, anyway, I've definitely heard of this, but I don't know much about it because I tested negative.

[fatsella]

It's totally common. I think one third of all moms have it. It's really nothing to worry about - you just have to make sure you get to the hospital a little bit earlier than you might otherwise so that they can give you the antibiotics to protect the baby during birth. I had it but since I had a C-section, it wasn't an issue (the danger is to the baby during a vaginal birth).

I'm just surprised they tested you for it now - you're still pretty early in your pregnancy, aren't you? Normally they don't test you until you're closer to giving birth - I think I was tested around 34 weeks or so.

[megdaniel]

Thanks! Yes I'm very early. I think I'm around 10 weeks now. I hope I don't have to be on antibiotics the whole pregnancy. I wonder why they tested me so early?!?!

[fsb2005]

No, you don't have to be on antibiotics the whole time, I think it's just a labor/delivery thing. They hook you up to antibiotics.

[eaglecow]

I agree with Fats - I didn't get tested until well into the 3rd trimester for it as the real concern is around labor. I'd be sure to discuss it more with your OB at your next appointment and find out why they tested so early. As all have said, it's nothing too serious as long as they are able to get the antibiotics going before you deliver.

[city_cowgirl]

I would look into being on the antibiotics during the pregnancy... most things I have ready only imply you need to be on them in labour, and actually the biggest concern is for delivery so they generally don't administer until a few hours before they anticipate you to give birth.

We actually talked about it in birthing class last night and around here they test you from 35-37 weeks (13-30% of women are carriers).... because it's a bacteria that isn't harmful while you are healthy etc.... and can change (so you could be positive now and negative later). Also, things like garlic and probiotics and such are supposed to help eliminate the bacteria, I would look into doing THAT for the entire pregnancy and then getting retested at a MUCH later date.

[pipsqueak78]

Interesting you got tested so early. I just got tested for it last week at my 38th week apt. My doc said it wasn't a big deal, they just put you on antibiotics at the hospital.

Congratulations BTW!!!