GBS swab

[Jennifer H]

I've decided after much research and a wonderful discussion with the FNP who is doing my prenatal care to go ahead with the GBS test, but still plan to refuse antibiotics even if I am positive. This will be done at my 36 week appt.

However, I just want the swab done. I don't want her to check my cervix. I've never had this test before. Do they usually check the cervix at the same time?

[Foobar]

yes, they do, but you don't HAVE to have the cervix checked. Just tell them that you don't want the cervix checked and they should be cool with that.

[Snowbaby]

I just had mine yesterday and she didn't check the cervix. I didn't even ask since I didn't realize you could.

[oceanbaby]

I am having a homebirth, and did the swab myself, so they definitely don't have to do a cervical check at the same time.

[mLeroux]

I also got to do the swab by myself. Checking the cervix is not necessary.

Michelle

[williamsmommy2002]

I had the swab done by my ob at 34 weeks and my cervix wasn't checked. You might want to rethink having the test done if you are refusing the antibiotics. My ped puts a 24 hour hold on all babies born to gbs+ mothers. Also, I have heard of hospitals doing the same on their own and making the hold as much as 48 hours. You might want to figure out the policies you will have to deal with before you have the test done.

[idocrase]

Slightly off topic...

My practioner swabbed me at 34 weeks - no cervix check. She didn't even mention it, and I hadn't even worried about her doing one at that time.
But...she did it right after the urine sample, for which they have me wipe with antiseptic wipes before collecting (sorry for the detailed information!) So -- I wonder if there would really be bacteria present for the swab if I am GBS+? Anyone else had this experience/wondered about this, or am I just extrapolating way too much?

[Jennifer H]

My ped puts a 24 hour hold on all babies born to gbs+ mothers. Also, I have heard of hospitals doing the same on their own and making the hold as much as 48 hours. You might want to figure out the policies you will have to deal with before you have the test done.

I asked about this and it doesn't appear that it will be a problem. I'm with Kaiser so the prenatal clinic and the hospital are usually consistent with policies and procedures. They have no current hold policy for GBS+ unless baby is having symptoms.

I would sign her out AMA if I need to.

The reason for going ahead with the test is so that if she were to spike a fever they could more easily determine if it is GBS or something else and treat appropriately. Akso, if I am negative then I would not have to have abx even with Prolonged ROM.

[kris1225]

I am doing the same thing Jenn. But my MW gave me a list of stuff to take in the next few weeks to reduce the number of bateria if I come up positive including:

Twice a day with breakfast and dinner:
Acidophilus - 4 billion cells per dose
Echinacea - 350mg capsules - two capsules
Garlic - 580 mg capsules - two capsules
Vitamin C - 500 mg with 200 mg bioflavonoids
Grapefruit seed extract - 15 drops (optional)

[butterflyma]

idocrase- apparently the antiseptic wipes don't have an impact...I used them (actually I hoped that if I was + it would have an affect) and I did test + for gbs