How many of you are GBS positive and how are you dealing with it? - Page 2

[ccasanova]

Since I'm trying to be best informed of all options:

If I don't end up changing my status from positive to negative, and I go ahead with antibiotics (hopefully just one round) has anyone heard or researched giving baby probiotics to help collinize (sp?) with the beneficial flora? Would it help any if I was taking probiotics while at the hospital to help combat the effects of the antibiotics? Or would the antibiotics just kill all the probiotics that I take?

[youngsoul]

Bringing this thread back b/c I just found out I am positive (and I'm not surprised - I struggle with yeast infections a lot also.)

I am starting probiotics up again and waiting for more info from my midwife regarding how to "ward the critters off," as she put it. I can post the info if anyone is interested...? Anyway, thank goodness that she is in the hibiclens school of thought - I really refuse to take antibiotics (mostly b/c I'm very allergic to most of them, but also because of the thrush possibility, etc.)

Here's hoping for a quick and easy birth for all of us GBS positive mamas!

[allisonrose]

Joining this "club" as well.

Anyone have luck getting retested?

I'm seeing hospital birth midwives and was told that antibiotics are the only CDC approved course of action.

[trayls]

Originally Posted by allisonrose

Joining this "club" as well.

Anyone have luck getting retested?

I'm seeing hospital birth midwives and was told that antibiotics are the only CDC approved course of action.

Ughh! I'm having the "conversation" tomorrow and am expecting a battle. First, I am absolutely going to insist on a retest in another week. I don't see any legitimate reason they could refuse IF they were trying to respect my wishes.

Then I'm going to try bringing up the Hibiclens. I expect absolutely no cooperation. btw, when I was looking around, I saw that the CDC was conducting trials with Hibiclens and GBS in poorer parts of the world as a more cost effective measure for preventing GBS transfer to newborns. Doubt that argue helps much, though!

Has anyone had any luck with supporting articles from mainstream establishment journals, etc? Every tip I come across requires a subscription.

I am just so grumpy about this!

[trayls]

Originally Posted by youngsoul

Bringing this thread back b/c I just found out I am positive (and I'm not surprised - I struggle with yeast infections a lot also.)

I am starting probiotics up again and waiting for more info from my midwife regarding how to "ward the critters off," as she put it. I can post the info if anyone is interested...?

Yes, I'd be interested in any info they provide(d). As it stands, I told my partner that if they "grant" me the retest, he should expect the frequent smell of garlic

[sssarah]

Re-test results +

Hi everyone - I got my second test results back. After the first positive test I went on a regimen of probiotics, yogurt, etc. This second time my awesome midwife did separate tests for vaginal and rectal and the results are negative and positive respectively. I am so glad they tested separately like that since the transmission risk is much lower if it's not vaginal. Also, since I'm allergic to penicillin, they tested sensitivity, and thank goodness because the normal alternative is erythromycin - which wouldn't have worked in my case (clyndomyacin is what will work for me).

The way I decided to manage it was to have the anti-biotics on-hand for use if things get risky (water broke for a long time). Hibiclens only works for vaginal GBS anyway.

I feel very comfortable with the risk-management approach, as I certainly don't want antibiotics in my little one that early if it isn't absolutely necessary.

So I am REALLY ready now. Tapping my fingers waiting for this engine to rev up! (ok, this is really Sarah DH writing - but the 'I's" are her - I agree with the other poster - it's her body!). Good luck to you all!

[ccasanova]

how long after initial test would you think is sufficient for a retest? I just got tested last week, and have my appointment today. I don't know if I should test today (if ob agrees to do it that is) because it's only been 1 week or if wait until next week. If I test today, and 1 week is really not enough time to reduce the colonization, I would rather not test today because I think that would put it more into my OB's mind that antibiotics are necessary. But on the other hand, I am 39 weeks today, and if I wait until next week I will be 40 weeks and what if I run out of time and don't have time for a retest? If I don't have time for a retest, OB will most likely want to do the antibiotics because he said my colonization number was high which puts me into the higher risk cat. I am pretty sure that they did the vag./rectal swab in one though, so that would be why it is higher.

The things I have been doing, because it's all I've been able to get is:

Acidophilus, vit. C, cranberry, and I've been doing hydrogen peroxide washes for 3 days now. I do have the hibiclens wash ready for birthing time also.

Do you think what I've done is enough?

[allisonrose]

ccasanova - Wish I had some answers for you. I'd lean towards not testing so soon but have nothing to base that on. I really wish there was more out there about reducing/eliminating GBS.
(Although you've probably already had your appointment....)

I talked to one of the midwives today (I see a practice with three) and told her I'd like to be retested. She seemed to think it was futile but said she'd make a note on my chart to retest at the next appointment - next Friday. So until then, I'm doing hibiclens douches, clove of garlic internally overnight, taking culturelle (probiotic supplement) and drinking Kefir everyday. Hopefully that'll get rid of the GBS. If it comes back negative, I'll plan to continue with the hibiclens every couple of days and stick with the probiotics everyday to keep it from coming back.

If positive, I'll plan for the IV antibiotics. I'll definitely stick with the probiotics daily and will also take vitamin E and C to hopefully reduce the chance of my water breaking before labor (this regime was recommended by someone's midwife here in the DDC).

[ccasanova]

well I had my appointment already and discussed the issue with my ob. I've decided not to retest and go with the lowest dose of antibiotics needed along with doing a hibiclens wash during labor since antibiotics don't always work. While my OB was open to letting me decide what is done, I did not like what the hospital staff and peds. would want to do to baby knowing that I am GBS + and declined the antibiotics. Instead of baby getting 1 or 2 doses at most through the placenta while I'm in labor, they would want to give baby a 10 day dose of antibiotcs directly after birth, would want to keep him in hospital longer for observation and would want to do more tests on him after birth to make sure he was not infected. I'm glad I asked about this, because the tests my OB mentioned them doing on baby sound horrible! A spinal tap??? I'm not 100% sure of what that is, but from the sounds of it, they would stick a needle in or near baby's spine to get some type of sample?!? I don't think so. So I think going with the antibiotics although definitely not the best, seems like the lesser of the evils.

[trayls]

Originally Posted by ccasanova

well I had my appointment already and discussed the issue with my ob. I've decided not to retest and go with the lowest dose of antibiotics needed along with doing a hibiclens wash during labor since antibiotics don't always work. While my OB was open to letting me decide what is done, I did not like what the hospital staff and peds. would want to do to baby knowing that I am GBS + and declined the antibiotics. Instead of baby getting 1 or 2 doses at most through the placenta while I'm in labor, they would want to give baby a 10 day dose of antibiotcs directly after birth, would want to keep him in hospital longer for observation and would want to do more tests on him after birth to make sure he was not infected. I'm glad I asked about this, because the tests my OB mentioned them doing on baby sound horrible! A spinal tap??? I'm not 100% sure of what that is, but from the sounds of it, they would stick a needle in or near baby's spine to get some type of sample?!? I don't think so. So I think going with the antibiotics although definitely not the best, seems like the lesser of the evils.

Wow! That's one heck of a protocol for baby. Even if unnecessary, its a heck of a lot more intervention to fend off then just taking the antibiotics in labor. I put a call into my ped to find out his protocol.

This GBS thing sucks! I think it may be more upsetting feeling like you can't trust the doctors and medical establishment.

Your decision is made, it sounds, and that is good. Now you can move on to happier thoughts (or the next area of concern)

[yummama]

Another +

I just found out I am GBS+ at my 37 week appt. yesterday. It seems that the only option available is to enter the hospital as soon as my water breaks and get the antibiotics every 4 hours. So I guess that is what I'll do. Honestly, I am having a hard time even visualizing that I will EVER give birth. I am so uncomfortable and stressed that I guess this doesn't seem like a big issue to me. I am kind of disappointed in my lack of research/concern over this topic, but I just want this baby OUT (safely).

[allisonrose]

Originally Posted by ccasanova

A spinal tap??? I'm not 100% sure of what that is, but from the sounds of it, they would stick a needle in or near baby's spine to get some type of sample?!?

Yes they insert a needle into the spine area to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. They do it low on the spine so I believe it's below the actual spinal column - as they do with epidurals and spinal blocks.

[youngsoul]

I've been doing a ton of research on this since I found out I'm positive and I'm totally convinced (like other people who have posted) at this point that a Hibiclens wash is better than antibiotics...and, as a lawyer, I like to think that I'm pretty decent at research and the interpretation of information. I hope everyone can feel that they've made a knowledgeable and pressure-free decision about this!

[trayls]

Originally Posted by yummama

It seems that the only option available is to enter the hospital as soon as my water breaks and get the antibiotics every 4 hours.

Is everyone being told they have to come in as soon as their water breaks? I think my mind was spinning too much when she first told me about my GBS status to listen, but I thought it just cut the delivery time to 12 hours instead of 24 and that abx are needed at least 4 hours before delivery (however you time that out ?!). :

[yummama]

I was definitely told that I need to come in as soon as my water breaks. Honestly, I didn't really ask a lot of questions beyond that, which is not really like me. I guess I'm figuring I'll make it to at least my next midwife appt. (38 weeks) and I will ask questions then.

[jenmary]

Can anybody recommend a good probiotic? Is there any point in taking it now, or should I wait until after the IV abx to take it?

I'm (+) too with this pregnancy, I was (-) the first time, so all this IV abx fuss is a hassle. I suggested the Hibiclens protocol to my MWs, and they were kinda dismissive about it, but said they would do that *in addition* to IV abx if that is what I wanted.

They also said that I needed to contact my pediatrician and let her know I was GBS+ so she can ??? treat the baby, if labor goes too fast for the 4 hour prophylactic abx window? I am going to a birth center, so my concern is that the ped will want to whisk the baby off to the hospital for monitoring and testing if I do not get to the BC in time for 4 hrs of abx before birth. So I haven't told the ped yet, and I am wondering if I should wait and see.

[artzy_fartzy68]

I am 40 wks and GBS positive. I'm not going to do anything unless I have SROM a significant time before labor begins. I have yet to decide how long that significant length of is....
Other than that, I have been considering chlorhexidine rinses during the labor. I haven't had any vaginal exams other than my pap smear at the beginning. I'm having a midwife-attended homebirth.

[jenmary]

just to update: i had a very fast birth center birth, no time to get the abx bolus that we had planned. my older son's pediatrician wanted to hospitalize the new baby for 24-48 hrs of observation, so naturally we looked for another pediatrician. the one we went with wanted to see him on day 1, 2 and 3 - by day 3, a saturday, even the after-hours pediatrician said she had no idea how to bill the visit, since there isn't a code for 'over-anxious doctors'. we did consent to a CBC on the first visit, which was normal, no sign of infection. i did, in the week before labor, prophylactic washes with chlorhexadine, to reduce the risk of transmission, for my own peace of mind.

anyway, i could have really lived without all the schlepping to ped's offices, but it was better than hospitalizing him. the labor was so fast, 6 hrs total, and less than an hr at the birth center. my first birth was 12 hrs, 3 at the birth center. next time (if) i am pretty much going to have to have the baby at home!!

[ccasanova]

Originally Posted by jenmary

i did, in the week before labor, prophylactic washes with chlorhexadine, to reduce the risk of transmission, for my own peace of mind.

how often did you wash in the week leading up to birth? Every how many days, and how often a day? I have only done 1 wash (on the day of my 39th week appointment, in case I did retest) and am now a couple days past due. Maybe I should do it tonight just in case my birthing time starts tonight and then when it does start for sure?

[jenmary]

Originally Posted by ccasanova

how often did you wash in the week leading up to birth? Every how many days, and how often a day? I have only done 1 wash (on the day of my 39th week appointment, in case I did retest) and am now a couple days past due. Maybe I should do it tonight just in case my birthing time starts tonight and then when it does start for sure?

nak

i did washes 3 times the week prior to birth, once every other day. oddly enough, baby came on his due date! he is a week old at 12:34am tonight, healthy and happy.

:

happy birthing :