GBS+ from a urine test, WWYD?

[splath]

I'm 31 weeks, and had a urine test at my last appointment and tested positive for GBS I had expected to do the garlic/probiotic protocol for a week prior to the regular test at 36 weeks like I did when pregnant with dd (and tested negative), so I'm really disappointed that it showed up in my urine. Apparently if it shows up in your urine, it's a heavy colonization and even if I test negative for the regular swab test later, my midwife's practice will still treat me for it during labor unless I decline antibiotics.

I am having a VBAC this time after a c-section with dd, and this bump in the road has me really bummed out. So, I'm considering having them test me again at 36 weeks via the swab, and if I'm negative, declining the antibiotics, or just going ahead with the antibiotics (via the hep lock and disconnecting after they're given ~ which is every 4 hours for about 30 minutes).

WWYD? I don't know if I'm comfortable with the hibiclens, but does anyone have any experience with testing positive in their urine and declining, or did you just go ahead with the antibiotics?

Those of you who went ahead with the antibiotics, did you do anything special as far as extra probiotics during later pregnancy and labor to add beneficial bacteria for you and baby?

[macandcheese]

I haven't had a chance to research this yet, but yesterday my MW told me that she recommends soaking in a bath with apple cider vinegar (forget the amount -- 1 cup in a shallow bath?) at least three times weekly from about 30 weeks on. This is more to ward of GBS, though, so I don't know what it would do for a current positive test. May be worth looking into.

[amaayeh]

I tested positive at 36 weeks with my last dd. I did hibiclens as soon as I went into labor and we had no issues whatsoever. I also delivered 3 hours 10 minutes after my first contraction and 20 minutes after walking in the door at the birth center, so there would have been no time to do antibiotics anyway. I was very happy with my decision after my research (before baby arrived) and would do it again that way in a heartbeat. I would actually recommend hibiclens even if you do antibiotics because there is still a chance of bacteria being down there during the birth.

[kittywitty]

GBS in the urine is considerably more serious than vaginal colonization alone. I usually just suggest hibiclens, but in your urine I would actually recommend the IV abx along with upping your immune system and using probiotics.

[Evergreen]

I completely agree with kittywitty.

For the record I had the GBS antibiotics with my oldest dd and it was no big deal. It was a hep lock and they just gave me a dose and then another right before pushing.

With my second child I refused the test and when I ended up at the hospital the ped. wanted to observe her for 48 hours to make sure that she didn't have it.

This time I have opted to take the test.

[splath]

Thanks for your thoughts; that's pretty much the same info I'm finding in my google searches about GBS While I understand that having a hep lock is better than being hooked up to the IV the whole time, it is still a huge inconvenience of having to be hooked up for 30 minutes every 4 hours, especially when it seemed that every "intervention" last time just steamrolled and it was almost textbook in that regard. Not to mention that I know it's going to be bring back the feelings of how it was to be hooked up to pitocin during dd's birth and the eventual downward spiral to a c-section I suppose it's better to realize this and try to deal with it now, when I have 8 or 9 weeks to process.

[Evergreen]

Originally Posted by splath

Thanks for your thoughts; that's pretty much the same info I'm finding in my google searches about GBS While I understand that having a hep lock is better than being hooked up to the IV the whole time, it is still a huge inconvenience of having to be hooked up for 30 minutes every 4 hours, especially when it seemed that every "intervention" last time just steamrolled and it was almost textbook in that regard. Not to mention that I know it's going to be bring back the feelings of how it was to be hooked up to pitocin during dd's birth and the eventual downward spiral to a c-section I suppose it's better to realize this and try to deal with it now, when I have 8 or 9 weeks to process.

For me I don't remember being on it for anywhere close to 30 minutes. It was 8 years ago though so my memory could be skewed. I really remember it being totally non invasive and my pushing stage was quite fast so I only got it once.

[theatermom]

HUGS, I totally hear you. Being hooked up to *anything* (and I was definitely hooked up for 30 minutes or longer at a time) meant more interventions, period. And being hooked up also meant being monitored more frequently -- not a good combination (I was GBS+ for ds#1 and ds#3 -- with ds#2 I was neg. by chance, and with ds#4, I made sure I was neg.). I just want you to know that for some laboring women, it really is a big deal to have this intervention. It does interfere with the birth process of some of us -- sometimes in a big way.

That said, GBS in the urine is a bigger deal. There's a great Mothering article about GBS (I don't have the link, but you can search for GBS in the Mothering archives -- also search threads because this subject has been discussed in detail). Probiotics (not a maintenance dose, but a dose for acute cases) and the garlic/vinegar/raw honey combination daily worked with me (I also did hibiclens externally), and boosting your immune system. I've also heard of some women choosing to do a course of antibiotics before the baby is born (when it's present in urine), and being retested (this is something you need to discuss with your provider, of course -- I don't know who now recommends it, or how it might be contraindicated). There are options, and it's worth exploring them before coming to the conclusion that antibiotics *during* labor are your only choice. GL!!

(not currently preggo, but still feel so passionately about this subject!)

ETA: Sorry, I should have read your post a wee bit more carefully, as you already know about the garlic/vinegar, but I did it for several weeks not just one. Regardless of whether you decline or accept antibiotics (as they are not a sure fire way of preventing GBS anyway), you want to do as much as possible to naturally lower your colonization. And if you do decide to do antibiotics, whether before or during the birth, you definitely want to do everything you can to protect your body. I would be taking probiotics, eating fermented foods (ones safe for babe before birth and whatever I liked after), and avoiding simple sugars and simple carbs as much as possible.

[splath]

Originally Posted by theatermom

HUGS, I totally hear you. Being hooked up to *anything* (and I was definitely hooked up for 30 minutes or longer at a time) meant more interventions, period. And being hooked up also meant being monitored more frequently -- not a good combination (I was GBS+ for ds#1 and ds#3 -- with ds#2 I was neg. by chance, and with ds#4, I made sure I was neg.). I just want you to know that for some laboring women, it really is a big deal to have this intervention. It does interfere with the birth process of some of us -- sometimes in a big way.

That said, GBS in the urine is a bigger deal. There's a great Mothering article about GBS (I don't have the link, but you can search for GBS in the Mothering archives -- also search threads because this subject has been discussed in detail). Probiotics (not a maintenance dose, but a dose for acute cases) and the garlic/vinegar/raw honey combination daily worked with me (I also did hibiclens externally), and boosting your immune system. I've also heard of some women choosing to do a course of antibiotics before the baby is born (when it's present in urine), and being retested (this is something you need to discuss with your provider, of course -- I don't know who now recommends it, or how it might be contraindicated). There are options, and it's worth exploring them before coming to the conclusion that antibiotics *during* labor are your only choice. GL!!

(not currently preggo, but still feel so passionately about this subject!)

ETA: Sorry, I should have read your post a wee bit more carefully, as you already know about the garlic/vinegar, but I did it for several weeks not just one. Regardless of whether you decline or accept antibiotics (as they are not a sure fire way of preventing GBS anyway), you want to do as much as possible to naturally lower your colonization. And if you do decide to do antibiotics, whether before or during the birth, you definitely want to do everything you can to protect your body. I would be taking probiotics, eating fermented foods (ones safe for babe before birth and whatever I liked after), and avoiding simple sugars and simple carbs as much as possible.

Thank you for validating my feelings and for the thoughts.

[sibbis_d]

Gbs

I tested positive for GBS with my son almost 6 years ago (and negative with my daughter 8 years ago which I think is so weird). With my son he was a planned homebirth and my water broke at 37 weeks - the day of my GBS test. When it came back positive my mw gave me a round of IV antibiotics in early labor when I wasn't feeling the urge to move too much. Much later when I couldn't stand the thought of not being able to move she gave me 2 actual shots of antibiotics. They hurt - big needles! But I didn't have to get hooked up during active labor. My mw also told me that her thought is that most GBS complications come from the multiple internal checks done in the hospital. She checked me once - I was at 9 cm and really feeling like I was ready to give up! My son was with no GBS complications.

With this baby I am going to take all the recommendations on this board for avoiding a positive test. If I get a positive I am going to push for hibicleanse (sp?) instead of antibiotics. It worked out ok last time but that may not be the case again.

[phathui5]

I think it could be a good choice to get the antibiotics every four hours and insist on being disconnected from the IV during the time that the medication isn't actually running.

Avoiding vaginal exams like the previous poster suggested is another good idea.

[allisonrose]

I was GBS+ by swab in my first pregnancy. I was strongly advised to do IV antibiotics so I did to make life easier. I didn't like having the IV at all.

My thoughts: make sure you're well hydrated. I was a bit dehydrated so the nurse decided they'd give me fluids by IV as well, prolonging my attachment to the IV. Later I ended up so swollen from all the extra fluids they gave me.

I would also consider taking supplements to strengthen your bag of waters. I've read about taking Vit C and E here at MDC but am unsure of the dosage recommended. PROM and GBS+ is not a good combo. (Yup, happened to me - not fun.)