Crap. GBS is increasing!

[mariposita]

I tested positive for GBS about 2 weeks ago. The results came back in the moderate range. (Low, moderate and abundant are the levels). I took Vit. C, Echinacea, Usnea, ate raw garlic, garlic inserted vaginally daily, and Acidophilus for 10 days, then retested.

I just got back the results and it's somehow gone from moderate to the highest levels of abundant. I'm 38.4 weeks now, and am feeling like I could have the baby at any time.

I've had negative reactions to almost all forms of antibiotics in the past. I can take Rocephin at the beginning of labor (homebirth), which is what my midwife recommends. I haven't had any experience with that antibiotic specifically, but never feel good about the idea of taking them in the first place.

I am so torn on this. I don't know what to do and am completely conflicted. Help, mamas!

[DesireeH]

I opted not to test so I dont know if I am GBS + or not (I was not with my son but who knows what that means this time). Anyways......I didnt test cause like you, I dont want the antibiotics. The research I have read shows that there was NO difference in outcomes of babies treated with antibiotics (via mom in labor) versus those that were watched closely immediately after birth. 10 years ago they didnt even test anybody. Just my opinion!

[DesireeH]

Wanted to add too that I might change my mind if I had risk factors like fever during labor, ruptured membranes for a long time, too many vag exams, etc. But if I stayed at pretty low risk of transmission than I would skip them alltogether.

[purplemama]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I, too, tested positive for GBS in my 36th week. I've been taking probiotics, vit. C, kefir and fresh garlic, too. I asked to be retested yesterday (I'm 38 weeks now) and my doc said that even if it came back negative, they'll want to still give me antibiotics because it can come and go... but she gave me the test anyway and I get the results back tomorrow. This is my fourth child and I don't remember getting tested with any of my others... and they're all fine.

I have a history of quick labors, so I might not even make it to the hospital in time for them to administer the abx, but I don't have any of the risk factors... if you don't have any risk factors, either, I don't think I'd worry too much about it. Good luck!

[marisa]

I know you don't feel comfortable about taking antibiotics - but if it were me, I think I would do them, provided you don't have a negative reaction - simply because it is obviously not reacting to natural non-aggressive methods.
I've had multiple urinary tract infections and kidney infections this pregnancy and have had no choice but to take them. They put me on Macrobid. I've never been the type of person to take pharmaceuticals unless it is completely necessary, and I hated it - but the risks to my health and preterm labor outweighed any speculatory risks to the baby.
It really comes down to following your heart about this - weighing all the options, risks, etc and coming up with something that feels right to you.

[atozmama]

I am GBS+ too. What I have learned is that it takes 4 hours for full benifit of the abx to the baby. Babies who get antibiotics still get sick, and sometimes get antibiotic resistant varieties of GBS or have the presentation of the disease or time of onset changed. I have fast labors and have decided to skip the antibiotics if I arrive at the hospital 8 to 9 cm dialated and about ready to have the baby. I'll stay 2 days for observation and feel if he does get sick it will be easier to treat if he hasn't been exposed to the abx for a to little time to be effective. If my waters break first or I have a fever, or end up induced for BP, I'll take them. That is the choice for myself and my baby.

[MistyB]

Gentle birth archives have tons of info on this.

You can use hybiclens and a variety of other things... tea tree oil suppostories was what I used.

[mariposita]

Thanks for all the advice. I've done tons of research here and elsewhere about the pros and cons of antibiotics vs. herbal treatments.

I am most concerned about having antibiotics because I have not only had just *some* reaction to antibiotics, but an actual anaphylactic reaction where my heart stopped and I wasn't breathing. Luckily, I was in a clinic when it happened and they got me to the emergency room/ICU quickly and gave me multiple doses of epinephrine. I don't want to risk that during labor unless absolutely necessary. I am just so high risk to these types of medication.

My midwife called me back and apologized for her initial strong reaction. She had sounded very fearful when she left a message the first time to notify me of the results, which freaked me out. She told me that she really thinks that the Rocephin isn't an option for me because of my history. So my two options are to go into the hospital and get an IV of a type of antiobiotic that I *might* not have a reaction to (no guarantees though) OR to continue on with the herbal treatments, do a rinse regularly during labor and to monitor myself/baby very frequently during labor and after the birth.

I have no high-risk factors besides this and had a 2 1/2 hour labor with DS#1, so this is likely to go fast too. I called my former midwives and asked them their advice as well and they think given my history to antibiotics, the herbal treatment/close monitoring option would be prudent. So I will probably just add propolis (orally and a vaginal wash) to my established routine.

I have absolutely no problem going to the hospital if I'm running a fever during labor or my water has ruptured for more than 18 hours, but I think risking anaphylactic shock is too much for me to handle for the well-being of both myself AND the baby.

I wish I could just feel comfortable with my decision either way, but I don't. This is really hard on me. I just want to be at peace, but I'm feeling pretty worked up about it and don't want to stress over it this much for the next few weeks. All of the support that you all have given has been very beneficial during this pregnancy. Please send me some nice healthy baby vibes!

[marisa]

I am most concerned about having antibiotics because I have not only had just *some* reaction to antibiotics, but an actual anaphylactic reaction where my heart stopped and I wasn't breathing. Luckily, I was in a clinic when it happened and they got me to the
Oh WOW! :hug I had no idea you're talking those kind of reactions! I never would have suggested the antibiotics with that kind of history. I think you have a good plan. Best of wishes for your birth and for a completely healthy baby and mom!

[mariposita]

Yep, I realized that the word "reaction" could mean a whole bunch of things, so that's why I felt like I should clarify in my last post. :)

It was by far the scariest moment of my life. I had to actually tell my heart to beat during the first few minutes. After that I supposedly lost consciousness, but I somehow felt really aware of everything that was going on. It was so surreal.

I hope I can find peace through all of this and not let it affect the beautiful, peaceful birth that I expect.

[atozmama]

With all the research you have done, you probably know the numbers. Only 1 in 200 babies born to GBS colonized get sick, that is 1/2%. It sounds like you have a greater risk than that to a reaction to the antibiotics. CDC says that most babies just get the GBS colonized on thier skin and mucas membranes with no illness. Of those 1/2%babies that get sick 5% die. Most cases of Early onset GBS occur within the first 24 hours. My hospital asks that babies stay 2 days for observation w/o antibiotics given in labor. If it would help you to feel better make plans to closely observe your babe the first day or so and keep a record. Temps high or low are an indication. Also keeping your babe with you as much skin to skin contact and nursing as possible will help keep him calm and make any signs of illness more clear.

[dynamohumm6]

saw this on the front page, so wanted to respond...

I was GBS+ with my son, but I never got levels...but I refused antibiotics, and I did have him in the hospital. When I was in labor, before I went to the hospital, I did a hibiclens wash. My water didn't break until he crowned, and while they did pressure me to do a blood draw on the baby (I consented, because I was paranoid....now, I don't know that I would), they did let me go home at 10 hours after birth.