Group B Strep

[jazzybaby9]

Just found out today I'm a carrier! Anyone have info on this? It would be greatly appreciated!

[ATD_Mom]

Oh yes, there are a number of us. Mighty-Mama started a thread last week or so: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=735990

I have chosen to do the IV penicillin at home with my MW. Although a lay midwife I spoke with today has far different views on the whole matter, and makes me wonder if I've made the right decision. (Basically 1 in x chance of harm coming to the baby if you're GBS positive vs. the definite problems with pumping so many antibiotics into your body.)

There was a recent discussion on the "I'm Pregnant" board about it: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=732394

[jazzybaby9]

Originally Posted by ATD_Mom

Oh yes, there are a number of us. Mighty-Mama started a thread last week or so: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=735990

I have chosen to do the IV penicillin at home with my MW. Although a lay midwife I spoke with today has far different views on the whole matter, and makes me wonder if I've made the right decision. (Basically 1 in x chance of harm coming to the baby if you're GBS positive vs. the definite problems with pumping so many antibiotics into your body.)

There was a recent discussion on the "I'm Pregnant" board about it: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=732394

Thanks so much!

[Wugmama]

I just found out yesterday that I am positive. Here is the suggested plan from my midwife that I will be following. FYI my status was unknown during my last pg because my water broke at 37 weeks and my results didn't come until a week later, and I did the vaginal hibicleanse.

During pregnancy I recommend 1-2 courses of tea tree oil suppositories (made by Desert Essence), 3000 mg Vitamin C per day (1000 per meal), and a high quality acidophilus or probiotics supplement to be taken daily until the birth.

During labor you can use the hibiclens antimicrobial wash as a gentle vaginal wash (as you did with Asher).

I am comfortable with this.

Best wishes,
Tracy

[KarenMT]

I posted a thread here and at the homebirth forum. I opted to forego the IV abx as you need to have them onboard for at least 4 hrs prior to labor. My midwife prefers to use the Hibiclens protocol which, after a lot of reading, I prefer. The reason I prefer this protocol is that you treat the area where the bacteria lives and you can treat as soon as labor starts. This does not kill off all your natural flora in your entire system and pretty much works immediately. IV abx are systemic and need to be onboard for, at least, 4 hrs prior to delivery. My first labor was barely 4 hrs so this might not even work.

Along with the Hibiclens I am trying to up my Vit. C, add a probiotic and use garlic cloves nightly. My goal is to strengthen my immune system and lessen the GBS.

[~minnow~]

I just got the news yesterday that I'm positive, too. Bummer! I hate "failing" tests.

My midwife hasn't suggested doing anything special, just that they will take "extra precautions" during the birth. However, I am upping my Vitamin C and may try to add a probiotic too.

Although I know that an infection in the baby can be serious, I'm relieved by how few babies get infected, even when born to mothers who tested positive.