Group B Strep

[atkinsonfmaily]

Has anyone else tested positive for Group B strep? Most OB's now do the culture routinely at 35 - 37 weeks. They say that most women who test positive are asymptomatic. But what I find curious is that I tested positive for GBS during this pregnancy and the previous one, but not for my first - which was also pre-IC. The symptoms, in those that experience them, are similiar to other vaginal infections and include bladder type symptoms. Positive results mean you are administered IV drugs prior to delivery to essentially kill the bacteria prior to the baby being exposed to it in the birth canal. Even though IV drugs are very powerful, one round is not going to keep this bacteria from returning. Just wondering if anyone else is GBS+ and wondering about a correlation.

Heather
edd 11.04.04

[Indy]

I never knew there are bladder symptoms associated with this. This bacteria comes and goes with me. Where does it come from and where does it go? The doctors say they don't bother to treat it if you are not pregnant. I've insisted a few times but it just comes back. I need to do some research on this.

[Babs RN]

I am GBS+ and got three doses of Ampicllin before delivering. Once you have tested positive, you need to be treated with each successive pregnancy. If you have any questions please let me know.


Hugs,
Barb :hi:

[TiaTia]

I, too, am positive for Group B Strep. Not the greatest news, but from what I have been told about it, definitely not the worst, either. As this is my first pregnancy, I don't know how long I have had it. The OB said that a lot of women carry it, and just have to be treated with antibiotics when their water breaks in order to prevent the baby from getting sick. I know, for me, it bothers me to have an "infection" that can't be successfully treated and gotten rid of, but in the whole scheme of things, a lot worse could happen. I don't know about any correlation with my IC or bladder issues. I have been having contractions for a week now (I am 27 weeks) that I have been told are happening because of my IC. I thought that GBS was totally asymptomatic...had not heard about symptoms being similar to IC. Interesting...

[dyno]

My daughter just delivered our GD 8 weeks ago. She carries group B strep and as the others have said they gave her antibiotics before delivery and just watch the baby closely for any signs of trouble those first few days. Everything was fine in her case.

[Snuph]

I am a mom that delivered a baby 15 years ago before they routinely tested and my son did contract it from the birth canal. It took about 48 hours before my doctor became suspicious of a rash and had it tested despite the ped. doctor's saying it was nothing. I am glad that they do routinely test because he was my third baby and the other two were fine.