Group B Strep

[JenInMpls]

So, September mamas, tell me your opinions about GBS testing and treatment!

jen

[sistermama]

I have some really good resources, which are of course still packed. I'll dig them out this weekend. I've been dying because all my preggo books are together, and out of our thousands of books, I can't find them ANYWHERE!

[Lazuli]

I'm not going to be tested, mainly because I'm allergic to two of the three antibiotics they treat it with and don't want to risk the chance of an allergic reaction to the third one in the middle of labor. Hmmm...this topic will probably come up with my doctor soon...

[Robertsgirl]

We decided to do the tests only because if we end up transfering from our homebirth and hadn't been tested then they'd automatically assume I was positive and try to force IV antibiotics. I just wanted to know what battle I would have to fight so I could be ready if the need arose.

That being said, my MW does herbal treatment of GBS and has never had anyone come back positive after the treatment, so we have that option. I don't know that we'll even end up doing that though, we haven't decided comepletely yet. Robert is an engineer math genius and figured up all of the statistical probabilities and it came out to some really rediculously minute chance of the baby being affected adversely, so we are still thinking things thru.......although are pretty sure we would fight IV antibiotics tooth and nail. We don't believe in allopathic medicines....but I'll leave it at that.

[msrog]

I'm interested in what options there are when considering a hospital birth. I'm not completely sure, but I think I had strep B with first birth, and I hated having to have that IV line!!!!!!!!! At my 20 wk OB visit, I tested positive again this time, but I'm praying it turns out negative when it matters. If I do have strep again at delivery, is it possible to just refuse antibiotics? Can I sign an AMA form or do they not care that much?

What were your husband's outrageously small statistical numbers, Robertsgirl?

[wardermom]

I was + last pregnancy and did the herbal things. Still + a few days before the birth. Didn't get the antibiotics, decided to only treat if there were risk factors-fever, ruptured membranes for a long time ,etc., there weren't any. No problems.
I'm + again this pregnancy. I don't plan on getting the antibiotics unless absolutely needed.

[Mom2baldie]

I am not sure whether or not I will be tested. If I am, it will be for the same reasons as Christi stated - in case of hospital transfer I dont want the baby or I put through any unnecessary tests or given any medications.

If I didnt have that to think about, then no, I would not be tested.

My midwife has a list of vitamins that you can take to minimize the chances of coming up GBS+ and I will do that regardless of what I decide.

Sorry that I am of no help!

[JenInMpls]

Originally Posted by Mom2baldie

My midwife has a list of herbs that you can take to minimize the chances of coming up GBS+ and I will do that regardless of what I decide.

What are they?

j

[Mom2baldie]

This is what she told me:


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)

Theres also tons of info about GBS on the gentlebirth.org midwife archives and at www.midwiferytoday.com

[JenInMpls]

Lynsey - and when should one start taking this cocktail? I ask because I see there is echinacea in it and I have read that one should not take echinacea for more than 10 days at a time. 10 days before GBS test and then again 10 days before birth (as if you could really hit that right on the nose!!!)?

jen

[msrog]

I just discovered there is a VERY informative link on the "pregnancy archives" page (above Due Date Clubs) about Group B strep. Be sure to check it out.

[HeatherB]

I think we've decided to forgo GBS testing (and therefore, treatment). We discussed it with my midwife at our last appointment, and what she told us was that if we get a positive, we HAVE to treat, meaning getting an Rx from a doc of some sort and having my MW administer it in labor. I have no big risk factors and was negative with my DS. In fact, it's very unlikely that I'd have it around as I'm on antibiotics and have been for more than 3 years! Given the minimal chances of passing it on and having problems even if I DID have it, we're inclined not to worry about it.

My MW also recommended increasing Vit C, Zinc, and taking Echinacea after 36 weeks - though now I can't remember exactly why! Guess I'll ask her next time.