GBS test, any thoughts?

[MrsCrad]

My sister bought me a magazine and it has an article about GBS (group B streptococcus) testing, I was wondering if anyone has thought about getting this test, I know we have a long way to go as you dont test until 35 to37 weeks?

In the article it says the NHS doesnt do this test routinely and if you do ask for one and you get the swab it isnt that reliable. But you can go through a company to get a test for £35.

I was just wondering what others think about this or if any of you have had the test done in other pregnancies?

Thanks

 

[KitKaboodle]

Really? I know in the US they do it for every pregnancy and start you on antibiotics if you have it so its not passed to baby. I just don't remember what week they do it in...its close to delivery though

 

[2boyz1onway]

Yes here in the US, they do it regardless usually between 36-38 weeks to see if you are a carrier. If you are a carrier then they give you antibiotics at delivery to prevent it being passed to the infant, which can harm your baby, to the point of death(if it gets bad). Some women don't have the testing done here in the US are usually started on antibiotics anyway just in case. As a OB nurse, I recommend the testing because I am sure that no one wants to see their baby hurting or even sick. This is just another precaution to make sure your baby is healthy.

 

[Bean66]

It's a very difficult one. There are tragic stories of newborns contracting strep B and dying. However there is also cases of mothers having IV antibiotics and babies then having lower immune system and contracting other infections such as e coil.

Do lots of research, papers rather than people's opinions and decide.

I think if I get tested and am positive I'll try and treat it naturally and re test. Natural treatment can be very effective. Garlic/tea tree suppositories, pro-biotics etc. If I got retested and am positive then I'd probably get the antibiotics or ask of baby can be tested at birth and only treated if required, I've read this is possible and safe.

I'll try and find and link some of the info I read.

It is not an expensive test and I believe the NHS would offer it if they thought benefit outweighed risk.

Again, this is my opinion, it doesn't mean it's right.

 

[sjay271]

I'll be having the test as i was a carrier in my last pregnancy but didnt find out untill my son was seriously ill in special care, but i think that i'd also consider paying for a test myself as im so worried the nhs test may say i'm not a carrier as its been 8 years since my last son so regardless of what the tests say i want the antibiotics in labour but knowing the nhs they probably wont give them if my test says im not a carrier

 

[sjay271]

It's a very difficult one. There are tragic stories of newborns contracting strep B and dying. However there is also cases of mothers having IV antibiotics and babies then having lower immune system and contracting other infections such as e coil.

Do lots of research, papers rather than people's opinions and decide.

I think if I get tested and am positive I'll try and treat it naturally and re test. Natural treatment can be very effective. Garlic/tea tree suppositories, pro-biotics etc. If I got retested and am positive then I'd probably get the antibiotics or ask of baby can be tested at birth and only treated if required, I've read this is possible and safe.

I'll try and find and link some of the info I read.

It is not an expensive test and I believe the NHS would offer it if they thought benefit outweighed risk.

Again, this is my opinion, it doesn't mean it's right.

Intresting... I never thought about the effects the antibiotics could have on baby.

If you can find the link that would be great as i think i need to start doing some research.

 

[Bean66]

Here you go.

The actual references are at the bottom.

I'll also try and find the info on treatment.

 

[Bean66]

As another note. If we do end up having IV antibiotics then I give baby pro-biotics. You can use probiotic powder you can sprinkle on your nipple before breast feeding.

 

[MrsCrad]

This webside is good to do some research, I dont know how to do links so Ive just cut and pasted it!

https://gbss.org.uk/

I wanted to hear other peoples opionions as it makes you think of other things as I hadnt given it a thought about the effects the anti- biotics will have on the baby etc

In the magazine the swab test they reccomend is the Enriched Culture Medium method which is available from the Doctors Laboratory (tdlplc.co.uk)

Thanks for the replies, I will be doing alot of reasearch about this x

 

[lightweight]

I was tested last pregnancy and it was positive. I think they just suspect it will be positive again this time round.

As for the antibiotics - well I didn't need them this time as I had an emergency section, but DD ended up on antibiotics anyway as a precaution in case she had a chest infection rather than just meconium aspiration!