Group B Strep Support Group
This is a group I have created so I can raise awarness of GBS in pregnancy, and with babies to whom are born with GBS.
This site is only in its early stages and will be updated on a regular basis. I myself have had a baby born with GBS. But with excellent medical treatment, she survived - Just.
Read my story by clicking on the "Shared Files" link on the left hand side of the page, and then click on the sopstor filename
If you want to contact me personally, please use my email address in the next paragraph!
WE ARE CONDUCTING A STUDY WHICH WE NEED LADIES WHO ARE PREGNANT AND HAVE GBS, OR HAVE HAD CHILDREN WITH GBS.
IF YOU ARE PREGNANT AND HAVE GBS, WE ARE WANTING TO GET YOU TO KEEP A ":DIARY": TO MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS THROUGHOUT YOUR PREGNANCY, INCLUDING ANY PROCEEDURES YOU HAVE, ETC, RIGHT THROUGH TO THE BIRTH OF YOUR BABY. IF YOU ARE INTRESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE STUDY, PLEASE EMAIL ME ON melanietisma@gmail.com AND I WILL SEND OUT ALL INFORMATION TO YOU.
How can I protect my baby?
Get tested for GBS at 35-37 weeks of every pregnancy! Your care provider will take a simple Q-tip swab, also called a culture, from your vagina and sometimes rectum. Test results may take 2 - 3 days. If positive, you carry GBS.
Take extra precautions!
GBS cultures can occasionally show a false negative test result or your status may change by the time you go into labor. Call your hospital to see if they have the ne IDI-Strep B. This rapid test has been approved to determine GBS status during labor, or at any other time during pregnancy, in less than 1 hour. Its currently the most reliable method to detect GBS just prior to delivery.
What happens if I have Group B strep?
Tell the Labor and Delivery staff that you have GBS when you go into labor or your water breaks. You need to receive IV antibiotics during labor atleast 4 hours prior to delivery, and then every 4 hours until delivery. Antibiotics given earlier in labor provide better protection for your baby. But, is not a sure safe way of prevention.
What is early and late-onset GBS?
Most GBS infections are early onset when symptoms develop within 7 days of birth, most commonly within the first 12-24 hours of life. Prenatal testing and treatment is important for prevention of early-onset of GBS.
Late-onset GBS can happen between 7 days and 3 months of age, but even up to 6 months. Everyone should wash their hands before handling your baby as late onset GBS can be caused by sources other than the mother.
What can happen to my baby?
Early-onset GBS is most common cause of meningitis (infection of the fluid and lining of the brain), sepsis (blood infection), andpneumonia (infection in the lungs) in newborns. Some infected babies may suffer lifelong handicaps such as mental retardation, brain damage, blindness, deafness, and cerebral palsy. GBS can also cause death.
Can GBS cause miscarriages and stillbirths?
Yes. The CDC recommendations state that GBS can cross the amniotic membrane even before your water breaks or labor starts. Some experts believe that frequent or forceful internal exams and ripening gel (pitocin is less risky) can push bacteria closer to your baby so that your baby can be exposed to GBS even before your water breaks. These practices have been linked to stillbirths and a higher rate of infection in newborns. If already infected, antibiotics during delivery may not prevent early-onset GBS. (Although often beneficial, internal fetal monitors may also introduce infection to your baby)
Can GBS cause preterm labor?
Yes, labor can begin before 37 weeks dure to GBS.
Can GBS cause my water to break?
Yes. This is called PRM - Premature rupture of membranes, but labor does not start. Once the membranes have ruptured, your baby looses a significant layer of protection.
Do C- Sections prevent GBS infection?
No, as GBS still cross the amniotic membrane. According the the CDC, GBS+ women who deliver by a planned C-sections do not routinely need antibiotics because the risk of the baby becoming infected is low. However, you should still be tested for GBS status in case you go into labor before a planned C-section. GBS can also infect your C-section wound, womb, and bladder. It can also already be within the amniotic fluid well before a C-section is commenced.
Please visit the community webpage, which can be found in the list on the left hand side of this page. It contains plenty of useful information.
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