My test did come back positive ... so I have strep b which isn't a huge deal. It means that I have to be antibiotics during delivery and the baby will probably be put on antibiotics as soon as she is born. This will just ensure no problems...here is what I found on the inet in case your interested:
The Science Behind Group B Strep. Group B Strep or GBS is a bacteria commonly found in the bowel, vagina and bladder. Usually it causes no symptoms at all, and people that carry these bacteria generally do so on a temporary basis.
Most women if tested consistently would probably come up positive as a carrier of Group B Strep or GBS at one point or another during their life. The only time Group B Strep is typically problematic is during pregnancy.
In rare cases Group B Strep or GBS may cause bladder or womb infections in a pregnant mother. It can infect the fetus before or during the birth process, though infection is rare.
Babies infected with Group B Strep or GBS may go on to develop pneumonia or even meningitis. Others may have long term problems such as hearing or vision loss during their lifetime.
In some infants Group B Strep or GBS doesn't develop until a week or more after delivery. This is an even more rare occurrence however than infection and detection immediately following delivery.
Routine Testing
Most women who test positive for Group B Strep or GBS will be treated during labor with an antibiotic such as penicillin. A positive culture does not mean a baby will become ill. It simply indicates that the mother is a carrier for Group B Strep.
Treatment with antibiotics is usually administered in the following situations:
- Mother experiences preterm labor, defined as labor occurring before 37 weeks gestation.
- Fetal membranes are prematurely ruptured which may increase the risk that GBS will travel up through the cervix.
- Mother exhibits fever during labor.
- Mother gave birth to child with previous GBS infection.
Treating women for Group B Strep or GBS does not necessarily remove the bacteria from the woman's system but may help prevent infection of the newborn infant.
Most physicians will give antibiotics to all women who haven't had a culture prior to labor or whose results aren't available when labor commences.
Your doctor will typically have the results of your GBS test available within 24-48 hours of testing. If you have any additional concerns about GBS, it is important you consult with your physician so you go into labor armed with information and knowledge rather than fear.
Remember that infection in babies with Group B Strep or GBS is very rare. Your chances of delivery of a healthy baby even if diagnosed positive are very good.
