group b strep

just found out this morning that i tested positive for group b strep :( i am also allergic to penicillin so i have to have an alternative drug - vancomycin. you need at least 2 doses of either drug but penicillin is given every 4 hours and vancomycin is given every 8, so that means i would have to go to the hospital super early in labor, which is cr@ppy for me b/c i was hoping to have a natural birth. i am super bummed and worried.

also, if the baby has any signs of infection he will have to be observed for 24 hours in an intermediate nursery (not NICU but not regular). i was hoping to room in and bf on demand :(

anyone have experience with vancomycin? group b?

Re: group b strep

I don't have experience (I also had group b strep but had a c so it was a non-issue) but regarding the BFing- you'll still be able to hold the baby right?

If so then you'll BF every 2-3 hours. That's what you'd do in normal circumstances anyway. When they're born their stomachs are literally the size of a pea so there's not so much demand for feeding as it's more trying to create the nursing pattern, getting your milk to come in, getting them to latch, etc. As long as you can BF every 2-3 hours that's perfect.

Re: group b strep

I was GBS+ with my first pregnancy and was also really bummed when I found out. It really is no big deal at all though. I was a little sad that I couldn't labor at home longer, but everything worked out perfectly fine. In most cases, the antibiotics given during labor are enough to prevent the baby from being infected (it worked just fine for me and my son), so try not to stress over the remote possibility that your baby might be infected. GBS is so common, it affects 1 in 5 pregnant women, which is why doctors rarely even bat an eye over it. I definitely feel your disappointment, but try not to stress over it (practically impossible, I know!) because I promise you, it really isn't a big deal at all!

Re: group b strep

I also tested positive and am allergic to pennicillin. I didnt know that the other meds took 8 hours. Thanks for sharing!!!

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no experience just

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I am GBS+ too. I spoke to my midwife before birth and explored options for a natural delivery. The best solution was that once your water breaks the antibiotics need to be started...but NOT before. Also, get a Hep Lock at the hospital instead of a traditional IV. The lock will allow them to put the bag on you every time you need it, but not keep you confined to the IV line the entire time. I walked around during my labor, didn't use pain meds, pushed in a squatting position according to what my body was demanding from me at that time, roomed in the entire hospital stay and BFd on demand. My son latched within 5 minutes of coming to the world...and is still nursing at 22 months old. Strep B is soooo common and except from the annoyance of the meds going in for that 20-30 minutes every 4 hours...it did not impact my birth experience. My water broke before I even started contracting, which I totally didn't anticipate or know was possible. That suked because I had to get to the hospital soon thereafter for my first dose. Again though....it was the least memorable or impacting event throughout my experience. Just know your options and advocate strongly for them in the moment. Best Wishes!!!

Re: group b strep

If it makes you feel any better..I tested positive for Step B..but didn't find out until I was already in labor for a few hours (water broke prematurely at 35 weeks the week before my appointment to do the strep b test). I am also allergic to penicillin and they did give me some drugs just in case so I am assuming since my entire labor was 13 (including time at home) hours that they managed to find an alternative some way :)

Re: group b strep

I am positive for it this time around also Everyone, including doctor told me to not worry. Im trying to not think about it. Im sure we will both be ok!

Re: group b strep

thanks everyone :) starting to feel a little better about the situation

Re: group b strep

No experience but just wanted to send you some

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i think erythromycin

Re: group b strep

I was positive for bstrep as well and didn't find out until I was in labor because I went into labor the day after the test was preformed. I was on penicillin so I don't know about the other drug but my dd did not have to be observed. I nursed her right away and had her in the recovery room with me (I ended up with a csec) for over an hour.