eye drops and STDs

770 Views 8 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Peppamint, Apr 16, 2006

alleybcat

Discussion Starter · Apr 15, 2006

Argh, I am going to be 37 weeks in just a couple days and my midwife is on my case about finishing my birth plan.

I have been hemming and hawing about whether to have the eye antibiotics administered to my baby. I know they prevent blindness caused by Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, but are those the only 2 STD's that cause such problems.

This is embarrassing, but I found out that I have HPV about a year ago. Is this a reason for the baby to get the eye drops.

I just hate the idea of my baby having blurred vision or discomfort, but I would also hate for anything bad to happen.

It might be hormones, but I am sooooo stressed about this one.

Thanks in advance!!!

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Mamabeakley

· #2 · Apr 15, 2006

I don't think so. I've not heard of HPV causing eye problems. But one option if you are concerned is to get the drops, have them on hand, and use them if the baby's eyes seem irritated in any way. Breastmilk is also full of antibodies (colostrum is basically white blood cells, our bodies' first line of defense against infection) and can be squirted in your baby's eyes or put in with an eyedropper if they get crummy or crusty or whatever.

In my state, my MW are required to leave the ointment "for me to apply" whether I have any intention of doing so or not. So I have it on hand (actually my CIL's tube which she didn't use.)

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kalisis

· #3 · Apr 15, 2006

It's really not necessary. Unless you have an active outbreak at the time you give birth, then it's really not imperative.

We didn't give them, specifically requested that the MW not do it. We thought that the risks of the drops were more than the risks of anything else.

Good luck in your decision. Whatever it is, I am sure you will make it from a place of strength - trust your instincts.

ETA: Yes, HPV is viral and the anitbiotics won't do anything to prevent them. My quick research shows they only help with the chlamydia and gonnorhea - nothing else.

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mamanurse

· #4 · Apr 15, 2006

Most hospitals give antibiotic eye medication post-birth these days. Since HPV is a virus (human papilloma virus) the antibiotic ointments would not prevent the baby from getting the infection. I don't think delivering vaginally is a problem with HPV, but I'm not sure. Have you asked your MW about it?

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alleybcat

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 15, 2006

thanks everyone. i will definetly bring it up with the midwife on wednesday. I can't imagine that it would affect my ability to birth vaginally, as something like 3/4 of all adult americans have been infected with HPV at some point. Seems like if there were a problem with birthing, we would know about it.

I think that I will refuse the test, and then talk to midwife on Wednesday and ammend the brith plan if necessary.

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mamanurse

· #6 · Apr 15, 2006

Could you please give an update (if you're ok with that) after you meet with your MW? Thanks.

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alleybcat

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 15, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamanurse
Could you please give an update (if you're ok with that) after you meet with your MW? Thanks.

Absolutly. I have to write this down somewhere...
1) To remember to talk to the midwife
2) To remember to report back.

The forgetful pregnancy brain is in full force, sad to say.

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Mom2Adam

· #8 · Apr 16, 2006

I second the colostrum suggestion. Vagina is full of bacteria and babies can get plugged ducts etc. The colostrum is perfect to act as the "antibiotic" as well as a preventative measure for plugged ducts. I *think* that a recent issue of Mothering had some info on this (the powers of breastmilk was the article).

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Peppamint

· #9 · Apr 16, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mom2Adam
I second the colostrum suggestion. Vagina is full of bacteria and babies can get plugged ducts etc. The colostrum is perfect to act as the "antibiotic" as well as a preventative measure for plugged ducts. I *think* that a recent issue of Mothering had some info on this (the powers of breastmilk was the article).

Yup

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