Planning a UC

[MoonBeamMomma]

So I am planning my second birth to be a Free-BAC (I have dubbed the term Free Birth After Cesarean).  I am about 37 weeks pregnant. My DH and I have prepared for whatever comes and are praying for the best.  I do have a question though... What about Group B Strep tests?  I have had only 2 clinic visits this whole pregnancy, and that was only to have one ultrasound to insure my placenta wasn't attached to my old scar tissue, and the follow up from that.  Otherwise we have done all self care and I have kept great records.  So as far as the GBS test goes, I am aware that in my state (NC) if I had to transfer, and didn't have a test on record, they would automatically treat my baby with antibiotics, possibly even without my knowledge or consent, which infuriates me and I want to avoid.  So how could I get my hands on one of these tests myself, as I am really trying to avoid going back to the clinic... TIA for any advice

[BaileyB]

I don't have any advice for you on that but how did you set up an appt for just an u/s + follow up appt? I would really like to UP in future pregnancies but would like to have just an u/s for the reasons you stated, but have never figured out how to do that.

[rnra]

For the situation you describe, I wouldn't bother with the GBS testing.  If the only reason you are interested in knowing your GBS status is related to possible antibiotic treatment at the hospital, then there's really not a reason to get it done.  The hospital probably won't accept any home test kit results as legitimate.  If you do end up at the hospital, insist that you or your husband are present with the baby at all times--preferably, don't let the baby leave your room.  If the baby does need to leave due to respiratory distress or other NICU-worthy concerns, send your husband too.

[JamieCatheryn]

There is an alternative protocol that's not as often used but was I think CDC approved, rather than treating all GBS+ moms with abx instead treat those (untested mos) who have waters broken 18+ hours before birth and/or if baby is coming at all early. There are drawbacks but a hibiclens rinse is an effective GBS treatment available at home. It is however irritant to the baby especially the eyes if used near the second stage though.

You can refuse anything at the hospital protocol or not, though GBS antibiotics is something they will push VERY hard about in my experience. Make sure someone is with the baby at all times, if there is anything you don't want the standard treatment about (including vax, vit k, circ, bottles, anything).

[rnra]

You can learn about the CDC recommends here:  http://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/about/prevention.html

Quote from CDC page (link above):

"Birth canal washes with the disinfectant chlorhexidine do not reduce mother to baby transmission of group B strep bacteria or the risk of having a baby with early-onset disease. To date, receiving antibiotics through the vein during labor is the only proven strategy to protect a baby from early-onset group B strep disease."

Quote from CDC page (link above):

"Pregnant women who do not know whether or not they are group B strep positive when labor starts should be given antibiotics if they have:

• labor starting at less than 37 weeks (preterm labor);
• prolonged membrane rupture (water breaking 18 or more hours before delivery); or
• fever during labor."

[MoonBeamMomma]

I had this apt with my local health department, and I had an extensive conversation with the head of prenatal intakes, described what I wanted and didn't want, and she understood my position.  I then just went in for what they treated as a normal first-time appointment, even though I was already 28ish weeks along.  I just refused everything I didn't want.  No pap. No HIV tests. No cervical checks.  you have the right to refuse any treatment you don't want. They then gave me the ultrasound, did one follow up apt, and that was that.  I am really thankful everything went as well as it did.  I was informed, knew WHY I was refusing things, and I think that really went a long way as well.  Good luck to you in future pregnancies!!  

[MoonBeamMomma]

Thanks as well, good info ladies!! I will probably not worry about it, like you stated, you can refuse anything... that seems to have been my motto this time around :) 

[BaileyB]

Originally Posted by MoonBeamMomma 

I had this apt with my local health department, and I had an extensive conversation with the head of prenatal intakes, described what I wanted and didn't want, and she understood my position.  I then just went in for what they treated as a normal first-time appointment, even though I was already 28ish weeks along.  I just refused everything I didn't want.  No pap. No HIV tests. No cervical checks.  you have the right to refuse any treatment you don't want. They then gave me the ultrasound, did one follow up apt, and that was that.  I am really thankful everything went as well as it did.  I was informed, knew WHY I was refusing things, and I think that really went a long way as well.  Good luck to you in future pregnancies!!  

Very interesting, thanks! I will have to check that out!

[Voondrop]

Can I ask what they said when you refused the pap? I'm in NC as well & they told me it was state law to have one before receiving any prenatal care w/ my last pregnancy (homebirth that fell through).