[Averys_mom]

I'm just wondering if I should be abstaining from sex until after my baby is born if I'm GBS+. I've heard to avoid pelvic exams, and membrane sweeping is definately discouraged.

What about sex? This may be TMI but what difference does it make if it's a gloved finger or a penis?

Please respond -- I'm 39+ weeks going for a VBAC and my husband and I were hoping to get things going a bit.

 

[mrzmeg]

To really avoid the possibility of GBS, sex should be avoided too. The penis can carry strep up to the cervix as easily as a gloved finger could (GBS is not a problem if it is just on the outside of the vagina, it's when the inside of the vagina is 'colonized' that it can present a danger to the baby). In fact, I've read that some doctors consider GBS a STD.

However, the chance of GBS transmission is pretty small (unless your water breaks early or the baby is premature) and the use of antibiotics in labor makes it really, really rare. I was GBS+ and did have sex those last few weeks, but I was planning on the antibiotics and was comfortable with it.

Good luck with your VBAC!

 

[TurboClaudia]

i don't know the stats, but i can speak to experience. i was gbs positive and we continued our intimate relationship into the last weeks and even few days of my pregnancy. i chose not to have antibiotics, and instead we watched our son for any signs of gbs difficulties. the actual risk is very low and we were willing to accept that. our son was a born at home, as hoped, after approximately 36 hours of labor, including about 18 hours of ruptured membranes and almost 4 hours of pushing.

peaceful pregnancy to you and safe and healthy birthing vibes...

warmly,
claudia

 

[Greaseball]

I was + with my first, and had a very high colonization. I was seeing an OB and was never told to avoid sex. So we kept it up even after labor had started.

 

[LoveChild421]

I really wouldn't worry about it- dp and I had sex regularly and in fact we had sex right before my water broke

My water had been broken for 20 hours before the birth of ds. And no problems with him at all!

Since I gave birth at home I did not do IV antibiotics, but instead did a Hibiclens vaginal wash every 4 hours (studies indicate this is more effective than IV antibiotics anyway!)
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/gbs.html#Lavage

 

[lorijds]

I have never heard of refraining from intercourse, nor have I heard of considering GBS an STD. We don't tell any of our clients to avoid intercourse if they are GBS positive.

I'm of the opinion that vaginas were made for pleasure and birthing. Sex with your husband falls into that category. Foreign fingers with plastic gloves and sterile gel does not. I say go for it if you feel like it.

If your bag of waters is leaking or is broken, though, I would recommend nothing in the vagina.

Lori