PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for July, 2000: Re: Tested positive for Group B Strep, some concerns.

Re: Tested positive for Group B Strep, some concerns.

From: Rachael

anonymous@obgyn.net

Thu, 6 Jul 2000 20:53:40 -0500 (CDT)

At Thu, 6 Jul 2000, Claudia Twisdale RN wrote: >
>Most OB's will treat with dose of IV antibiotics during labor, close to
>delivery time. AND yes risk of infection to baby is very slim, but
>having worked with a baby who was infected by GBS (unknown at delivery)
>GBS infection can be serious to baby. Rachel gave alot of good info on
>her experience, and thankfully her baby is healthy.
>
>At Thu, 6 Jul 2000, Rachael wrote:
>>
>>Just because you have GBS does not mean you will infect your baby.
>>Thousands of women give birth every day as carriers of GBS and they
>>don't make their babies sick. There is the possibility, of course, but
>>it is very very very small.
>>
>>If your membranes are intact, you can assume your baby is safe.
>>Therefore, you should go directly to the hospital if you start leaking,
>>or if you even think you might be leaking.
>>
>>My daughter was born colonized with GBS, and she was put on a
>>ventilator, had lots of IV antibiotics, received a few blood
>>transfusion, a couple doses of surfactant, and nutrients for the 5 days
>>she couldn't eat. The doctor told me that she was about the sickest
>>baby she had ever taken care of, so I would say that is a worst case
>>scenario. The bacteria makes them very sick very fast, then they
>>quickly get better. It's really quite amazing.
>>
>>I've read everything there is to read about this bacteria in the healing
>>process of our trauma, and I can honestly say, that while you should be
>>aware of things like your water breaking and how close you are to your
>>hospital, you should not lay awake at night worrying about this.
>>Infection like my daughter experienced is very very rare. In the
>>hospital she was born at (one of two Level III NICUs in the state), she
>>was the 2nd one that year, and it was the end of October already. So
>>you see, it just doesn't happen that often.
>>
>>BTW, my daughter is 20 months and perfectly fine from her ordeal. :)
>>
>>I would strongly encourage you to make an appointment to speak with your
>>baby's pediatrician. You can express your concerns, set up a "plan b"
>>if needed, and get some comfort about how your baby will be cared for
>>after she is born. Your OB only takes care of the baby while she's in
>>your uterus, once out, it's the peds concern.
>>
>>Best wishes! :)
>>
>>At Thu, 6 Jul 2000, Margaret wrote:
>>>
>>>Hi, I'm 36&1/2wks along, and I just found out that I tested positive for
>>>GBS. My Dr didn't seem too concerned, she just noted that I shouldn't
>>>wait too long at home when I go into labour so that I can receive a 4hr
>>>dose to intravenous antibiotic drip prior to my delivery.
>>>
>>>My concern is will I have at least 4hrs (in hospital labour), and if not
>>>how would this affect my baby. She noted that from my past labour
>>>history 7yrs ago, I should most likely have enough time for my
>>>antibiotics and if not the baby would otherwise receive the antibiotics
>>>just after birth. My first labour had to be induced because I was late
>>>and it lasted 10hrs.
>>>
>>>Is it safe to assume that most women follow similar labour patterns with
>>>each consecutive pregnancy? And if I don't get enough antibiotics prior
>>>to delivery, will my baby have to receive her dose intravenously? And,
>>>what are the complications she may face if she contracts Strep B?
>>>
>>>Any information, would be greatly appreciated.
>>>
>>>Thank you.
>>>
>>>--
>>>Margaret
>>>

Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote