TB skin test when pregnant?

[Kontessa]

I feel like I just let something not ok happen.

I went in to my first OB appointment, though I am 21 weeks along already and the nurse matter of factly asked if I had a TB test in the last 6 months and when I said no she said I needed one, that it is now standard care across the country and that it had no side effects and would not effect baby at all.

I was so wrapped up in everything else I did not even think to question this, not like me at all, till I got home and now I am wishing I had gone in more informed.

Does anyone how information about this test and side effects and such?

[Belle]

nak
Never heard of TB tests being standard of care during pregnancy. I've never had one at all. Never mentioned during any of my pregnancies.

[mysticmomma]

not routine according to acog unless you have certain risk factors.

http://www.acog.org/acb-custom/aa322.pdf


an old mdc thread...
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d#post13347811

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...&highlight=ppd

[chel]

I was getting a physical for a job in healthcare and got one. To this day, that is my biggest regret with my 1st dd's pregnancy, but so far 9 yrs later, no side effects that I can tell.
I was never suggested to get tested by an OB in any pregnancy. I worked at a homeless clinic and I think it was fairly common to test the pg population that came in.

[tri31]

I was pressured into getting the skin test a few months ago, but not as part of my prenatal care. The agency I work for has an all or nothing policy, you have to get tested yearly. All the doctors and nurses said it was harmless. Still, I had the same feeling, what did I just let them do?

[Kontessa]

I am feeling a bit violated now. Clearly in my chart is says no vaccines due to religion and it is marked no vaccines due to reaction of unknown cause. I had horrible fevers and was hospitalized as a child because of vaccines and they never could figure out what in them caused it.

Nurse new this... and told me it was standard and why did I not question it more? -bang head on wall-

[umsami]

Don't beat yourself up about it. The stress you're putting yourself under is probably worse for your baby than the actual test.

I've never heard of that being standard for pregnant Mamas... and I can see them wanting to test you for immunity to Rubella or something... but TB?

Just checked, and it is approved and viewed as safe during pregnancy.

http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregna...e_3pvv,00.html

From a CNM on Parenting iVillage

I would say that this test is perfectly safe during pregnancy. It is even a test that is recommended.

There is no live bacteria or agents in the test and because it is given so locally, just below the skin, there is little or no systemic absorption.

I found quite a few other sites that reaffirm that the Mantoux test is perfectly safe during pregnancy.

Smarmy me thinks they did this just for insurance reasons...something else to bill for... especially if you have not been in contact with somebody with TB, traveled to an area of the world where TB is common, or live with (or are) somebody who is HIV+.

[nia82]

Weird, I wasn't asked nor have I ever heard that. Is that on base (I see your are army)?

If ever anyone is required to be tested for TB while pregnant, ask for the Quantiferon blood test. Nothing has to be injected into you for that. It runs at about $40 books out of pocket, but so worth it.

[Kontessa]

This was an OB off post though for most everything they send me on post but not for that.

Sorry if I am over reacting a bit. My childhood reaction to vaccines is never far from thought with such issues and that is something to be worried about. Stress is never good but I do want to be informed.

[SwanLake]

I started working for a hospital at 6 weeks pregnant and needed the test to work. As TB cases were increasing in the area they said I needed two tests so I had one at 6 weeks and one at 7 weeks. My Midwife said it was fine as the injection is under your skin and doesn't enter the bloodstream. As far as I know my pregnancy has been healthy; I'm 18 weeks pregnant today!

[Bluegoat]

I haven't heard of this, but I know they are seeing a lot more cases of TB around, when for a while it was quite rare in North America. I know they test all soldiers who come home from overseas here.