Have any of the GBS+ mamas delivered yet?

[SoulJourney]

If so, what did you do and what was the outcome??? I just found out today that I'm +!!!! *SIGH* I am planning an all natural/waterbirth, but it's in an ABC in a hospital. Therefore, they are wanting to administer antibiotics during labor. I need your input mamas!

[flyingspaghettimama]

I haven't delivered yet, but this is what I'm doing - the hibiclens wash in the shower when I first go into labor (assuming that I know, heh), because I'm a little paranoid about GBS. When my ctx are 5 mins apart, I'm supposed to call MW (in your case, you go to the hospital at this point, right?). When she gets here, she will administer antibiotics, which should take 20 mins, then remove the needle. No hep lock. I'll get antibiotics every 6 hours.

I don't usually have a problem with antibiotics, so I assume everything will be fine with this. I do, however, have a problem with needles...but this is what I feel most comfortable with.

Can you ask if they can administer the antibiotics and then remove the needle so you can move freely?

I think that there are many different approaches...

[Queen of Cups]

A heplock (unless I'm terribly mistaken) is when they put a lead in your arm or hand that does not have to connected to an IV at all times. BUT, its there so they don't have to find a new vein each time. If there's a possibility of multiple doses of antibiotics (ex: every 6 hours) why would you not want a heplock - they'd have to find a new vein every time, which usually isn't fun...?

[PicnicBear]

OT -- you mention ABC in hospital, waterbirth -- that's eaxactly what I am doing -- you wouldn't happen to be in Chicago, like at West Suburban?

[BensMom]

Originally Posted by Queen of Cups

A heplock (unless I'm terribly mistaken) is when they put a lead in your arm or hand that does not have to connected to an IV at all times. BUT, its there so they don't have to find a new vein each time. If there's a possibility of multiple doses of antibiotics (ex: every 6 hours) why would you not want a heplock - they'd have to find a new vein every time, which usually isn't fun...?

I agree! Ouch! I had an IV for my version and it was still bruised a week later. I cant imagine them having to find a vein multiple times. A heplock would be where they disconnect teh line and just keep the vein open. I always tell my clients to ask for one of those instead of an IV when the Dr/hospital insists on one. Its a decent middle of the road option.

[flyingspaghettimama]

Because a heplock sucks in a waterbirth - staff/mws don't want you getting the heplock wet and you either have to bag the arm or keep it out of the tub. I would rather not have any restrictions. And, I would probably (hopefully) deliver within 6 hours anyways of them showing up...so I'm not too worried about multiple jabs.

My MW is really good about getting the vein. If she were a "ooops - sorry - was that your nerve?" type then I might try to find an alternate solution.

[BensMom]

Ah, I can see that then. And you are right, 6 hrs is a long time. I am used the protocols around here where its every 4 hrs. And I dont always have nurses who catch the vein on the first try. :

Good luck to you! I hope you have a wonderful waterbirth and no GBS issues!

[flyingspaghettimama]

Hmm, the every 4 hours or 6 hours is apparently determined by which GBS strain you have and/or which antibiotic the professional prefers. It's every 6 hours if using erythromycin, which is what mine is using, I guess. If using penicillin or ampicillin, it's every 4. I think penicillin is less "bad" though in a lot of ways, right?

http://www.perinatology.com/protocols/GBS.htm has the protocols.

I don't know. I just hope he comes so quick there's no time for anything but just one dose in any case.

[SoulJourney]

Yep...they'll be giving me penicillin, so it will be every four hours. They are cool with waterbirth and a heplock, but like you said...it's going to be a PAIN IN THE ARSE keeping that arm bagged or out of the water. I wonder if I could just play it by ear as to whether I want a heplock or to be restabbed? I REALLY didn't want any intervention, but I think the risks of administering antibiotics during labor are much less than going without. I wouldn't want to take a chance with my little man.

FSM: What is the hibiclens and where do you get it?

Plagio: I'm in Indianapolis. Not Chicago, but not too far from ya! I've spent plenty of time around that city, though...I used to photograph the Wild Onion Urban Adventure Race. Ever hear of it?

[flyingspaghettimama]

Hibiclens is the brand name of a chlorhexidine antimicrobial wash that you use diluted in water and wash it over your perineal area (not inside, as I thought! don't do it!), such as in the shower. Your doctor will probably not know about it, but I can forward studies to you. Or use google scholar to find them. And there are lots of posts about it in mdc.

The benefit is that you don't have to go to the hospital perhaps quite so early (they'll probably want you to if you are GBS positive, or maybe not), and in my case, the MW doesn't come until you're in active labor, and I'd like to start out as "clean" as possible. If you wait until active labor, there is less chance of having to be poked twice...

[SoulJourney]

Googled it...thanks! Wow...it's pretty inexpensive!

[flyingspaghettimama]

The other thing to consider if you are GBS positive is whether or not you are comfortable with a membranes sweep if you go closer to your date/"postdate." I am not comfortable with it and don't want it done, after reading some research, but there is a lot of debate over this topic within the medical and midwife communities. Many docs think it's fine, while others are concerned. But it's good to know your research before the doc/mw suggests it.

I don't know. Sometimes I think they're making it alllll up! Just to make me crazy! As if I needed help with that...nope, didn't need help.

[gratefulbambina]

I was GBS + & had a waterbirth at home. I did a douche wash of benedyne when I went into Labor. Did a small squirt inside & then the remainder of the peri bottle my dh squirted all on the outside. Everything turned out fine

[SoulJourney]

What are your thoughts on internals...as in just checking your cervical status? I thought of that today after I left b/c I did have them check but that was before I found out I was GBS+. I reeeeaally don't want a membrane sweep being GBS+, so that will be out of the question if it gets to that point. Depending on which of the 50 EDDs(OK...3...but still) they have for me (I do NOT have a very regular cycle and my baby has consistently measured bigger/earlier than what was originally thought) I'm somewhere between 38 and 40 weeks. Luckily, they are going by the 38w EDD, so even if I AM technically "over" it shouldn't end up a problem. I'm 1cm and 70% effaced as of today.

And yes, they *ARE* making it all up to make us crazy(er?). I firmly believe that is what anyone in the medical profession gets paid to do.

[flyingspaghettimama]

Originally Posted by peacefulmommy

What are your thoughts on internals...as in just checking your cervical status? I thought of that today after I left b/c I did have them check but that was before I found out I was GBS+. I reeeeaally don't want a membrane sweep being GBS+, so that will be out of the question if it gets to that point. Depending on which of the 50 EDDs(OK...3...but still) they have for me (I do NOT have a very regular cycle and my baby has consistently measured bigger/earlier than what was originally thought) I'm somewhere between 38 and 40 weeks. Luckily, they are going by the 38w EDD, so even if I AM technically "over" it shouldn't end up a problem. I'm 1cm and 70% effaced as of today.

And yes, they *ARE* making it all up to make us crazy(er?). I firmly believe that is what anyone in the medical profession gets paid to do.

Hmm. I did have two internals, just due to my own "I wanna know." but I don't think I will have any more. The last one was sort of depressing (not much change in three weeks - 2cm 60%), so I think I'll avoid them, and there's the added benefit of no free rides for GBS bacteria.

I don't mind if they make it up, it's when they make it up and say it with a voice of certainty - i.e. THIS NEVER HAPPENS. or THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS. Then I think of all the research that refutes whatever they just said, and I doubt the certainty. Anyone know of any ambivalently noncommital birth professionals? I don't think they exist...it just takes a certain type of certain person to be in the field I think. So, whatever. I like that my MW will let me call the shots, within reason of course...

gratefulbambina - hmm, good point about needing some assistance from DH! I can't see my feet, much less anything between feet and belly...and I had not thought of betadine. Does it work as well?

[gratefulbambina]

Its what was in my birthkit to use for it. My MW said that it kills all bacteria & he has been fine since the birth so Im assuming that it worked well. I also had a few internal exams & my dh would "massage" my cervix for me also.

[SoulJourney]

I was just lurking in the December DDC... : ...it's interesting to get everyone's take on the topic. One thing that strikes a chord with me is the fact that you could test + one week and - the next, or vice versa. That being said, I wonder, what is the *actual* level of accuracy in all of this testing/treating???


***As far as reaching *anything* below my belly, be it yoni, arse or feet...well let's just say it all takes multiple attempts these days. Peeing in a cup is my favorite form of torture at this point...talk about something being a real hit or miss!

[DesireeH]

My midwife said some of her clients choose to get antibiotics in the form of injection via shot in the muscle so you wouldnt have to have an IV or a heplock.

[SoulJourney]

Originally Posted by DesireeH

My midwife said some of her clients choose to get antibiotics in the form of injection via shot in the muscle so you wouldnt have to have an IV or a heplock.

Hmm...I'll have to look into that one. Wouldn't that be more painful, though?

[DesireeH]

Oh probably, but then you wouldnt have to wear a bag over the IV in the water. I dont know though, I had an IV 3 years ago but I havent had a "shot" in many many years and years so I have nothing to compare too! LOL