Urrrgh! GBS+

[nandodianenicole]

I was so sad and mad yesterday, I just found out I am GBS+. I have real issues with this because they swab your vagina and your rectum. Well, heck, you can have anything in your rectum right? So 2 other friends of mine who just delivered were positive as well. One opted for no antibiotics in labor and one did get one dose, both had same outcome.
Here's the thing...I am phobic of needles, I mean PHOBIC!!! (is that spelling right?):
I think I am opting for no antibiotic in labor unless: my water breaks and labor does not go quickly and\or I have a fever or feel ill in labor.
Now the birthcenter I go to (which can discharge me at 12 hrs) will suggest transfer to maternity and I'm sure my pedi will want the baby to stay too. Honestly, I dont mind staying a little while longer for some bf support/help, but I dont want to stay forever confined to a room--I want to come home!

Anyone out there GBS positive and going another route, any concerns? Do you have some good sites for research info.

[avaylee]

I am still waiting the results of my test. The plan right now is that if I am positive, to follow some of the protocols that hospitals use. In our case, that is to not assume GBS+ status, but to administer abx if water has been broken for 18+ hours and/or mom has a fever during labor. Knowing my status may change that, in that I might change the 18 hour limit to something like 12 hours, based on my comfort level. And probiotics will definitely be part of our plan as well.

More info than I have ever been able to digest is available here: http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/gbs.html

[nandodianenicole]

Awesome, thanks. I just skimmed thru it and found lots of info. Will have to read some more tomorrow.

[hapahaolegirl]

I plan to receive the antibiotics and also bring probiotics with me to the hospital and load up on those after delivery. My biggest fear is getting thrush again because it is just horrible and painful to deal with!

[karen1968]

I was GBS+ and had the antibiotics since i was induced. I AM taking probiotics, but when I asked (both CNm and ped) the said the abx were very specific, not broad spectrum. So far, no probs for baby or me due to the abx (we are 6 days out from birth).

One thing to think about is if you are transferred and are GBS+ (or status unknown) and refuse abx during labor, they might give abx straight to baby after birth. Personally, I'd prefer to have them myself with some transfer to baby through placenta than have baby kept and given abx.

[nandodianenicole]

Originally Posted by karen1968

I was GBS+ and had the antibiotics since i was induced. I AM taking probiotics, but when I asked (both CNm and ped) the said the abx were very specific, not broad spectrum. So far, no probs for baby or me due to the abx (we are 6 days out from birth).

One thing to think about is if you are transferred and are GBS+ (or status unknown) and refuse abx during labor, they might give abx straight to baby after birth. Personally, I'd prefer to have them myself with some transfer to baby through placenta than have baby kept and given abx.

I'm glad you are both doing well. My problem may sound selfish, I actually have no problem with the antibiotic portion of it, it is just that I have panic attacks with IV's, Blood draws, etc. Just thinking of it makes me hyperventilate. I understand that I may be putting my baby at risk, however, from what I have been reading, the antibiotics are not 100% effective, especially in fast labors--you wouldnt be able to get both doses and really only 1% of babies get infected. What will happen to me, and my midwife is on board, is that since I am going to a birthing center located in a hospital, is that I go and deliver at the center and stay the 12 hrs there, then switch to the hospital where the baby will be monitored in my room every 3 hrs for signs of infection. If they feel the baby is having trouble with breating, etc, they will administer the antibiotic only in that circumstance. I feel comfortable with that. That way, I can still have a peacefull labor with no needles and the baby will be treated only if needed. Also, I feel because they swabbed the rectum is why I was postive... I really feel they shouldn't do that for a true vaginal culture, as you can have ANYTHING in your rectum at ANYTIME. Anyway, That's my scoop. Now if labor goes differently like my water breaks and no labor for a while, I will reconsider the IV :
Thanks for all your input.

[mrskennedy]

For all I know, I could be positive. I'm having an unassisted birth and stopped seeing my OB right after he did the test. I just never scheduled another appointment and didn't ask for the results. Anyway, infections in newborns are rare. Risks for infection include prolonged and/or premature rupture of membranes, pre-term labor. There's a newborn symptom fact sheet somewhere here... I can never find it though!