Just found out I have GBS – any advice?

ok don’t freak out, you will be fine, it’s very common.

6 years ago, i didn’t even get the swab. I went into hosp at 41 weeks with labour pains, and they checked me and then when baby was born they said they had swabbed me when I came in, and i had the infection.

But by that stage, baby was born and was fine! so it was too late for the antibiotics anyway.

my 2nd pregnancy was recent, and they said they didn’t really bother with the test much anymore. again, bubs was born fine, so even if i had it, it didn’t make a difference.

good luck, and try not to google stuff, you always get the worst information coming up and freak out!

Stop googling.

Speak to your ob at your next visit.
My ob explained every test to me before i had it done, I vaguely remember my ob saying if I tested positive me and possibly my baby needed some antibiotics. As I tested negative it didn’t affect me.
He said as also it has a reasonably high incidence.

I didnt have it but one of my good friends did and it caused her no issues at all. It is mostly nothing to worry about, just be aware that if your waters break, rather than labouring at home you will need to go straight into hospital to be monitored.

I can tell you are freaking out, so I’m hoping I can allay your fears. My experience is some 18 years old, but I’m sure some more recent mums can give you better info.

Also tested positive for Strep B some 4 weeks before due date. This was my second baby (first was 18 mths old) and this test wasn’t something I had for the first one – only a new test. So (fortunately) I had not idea what it meant, wasn’t given any brochure and there was no internet to Google it and being new, there was no info in any of my pregnancy books, so I was blissfully ignorant of any possible outcomes.

Not even sure what they gave me – certainly nothing beforehand. I was induced and they could have given me antibiotics through the drip. I do know when my son was born, he was taken away immediately (after his apgar which was excellent) to be checked out (bought back after only 5-10 minutes) and seemed to require montoring (taking temperature every few hours, I think) for the first 24 hours – but kept with me, not isolated or put in the nursery or anything. All was otherwise as per the first baby.

At the time, it was no big deal – but I recall hubby and I being somewhat concerned when he was whisked away so quickly – we did think something was wrong – but told they had to do some routine tests.

Don’t be worried about this – medical staff are aware of it and will take all necessary precautions and tests. Bit rude to receive these tests and a brochure in the mail – recall that my obstetrician gave me the results.

And I didn’t have the strep B with my 3rd child two years later – it’s something that can be in your system and isn’t there forever.

Looking forward to your good news in a few more weeks – spring baby!