I had a doctor's appointment today, and they told me that I've tested positive for Group B Strep. I mentioned in last week's post that I had had the test done, but I had never really done any research about it because I just assumed I wouldn't have it. So, after learning today that I DO, I decided I needed to know more about it. First of all, it's fairly common (about 25% of all pregnant women test positive), and NOT a big deal. All it means is that I carry this specific bacteria, and so I'll need to be treated with antibiotics during labor in order to prevent passing it on to Eli. This bacteria is not very dangerous for me - it could result in bladder/womb infections, but the antibiotic treatment should prevent that. However, it could be very dangerous for the baby, so that's why it's so important to be tested and treated. With the antibiotics during labor, there's only a 1 in 4,000 chance that Eli will still be infected. That seems pretty low to me - even without treatment it's only 1 or 2 in 200. So when I go into labor or when my water breaks, I'll need to go to the hospital and they'll put me on IV antibiotics. It's best if I can have the antibiotics for at least 4 hours before the baby is born just to allow for complete saturation. Then, they'll want to keep us in the hospital at least 48 hours after he's born just to observe him closely and make sure he didn't get it. But that's all! No big deal and nothing to worry about. Really the only thing I'm disappointed about is having to have the IV during labor - I HATE NEEDLES and really wanted to avoid this if at all possible. But now I know and I have time to get used to the fact that this is just how it has to be. Really, I'm very thankful to have caught it so I can be treated and help keep Eli as healthy as he can be!
You can read more about Group B Strep here if you're interested.
Besides that, everything else is looking fine. Weight gain, blood pressure, belly measurements, etc. are all right on track for the big baby we're expecting. His heartbeat was great. My appointment today was actually with one of the OB's who could be on call to deliver Eli. He was very nice although not incredibly supportive of my natural childbirth desires. But from what I understand about the childbirth process in a hospital, the OB is only actually there to catch the baby at the very end and he doesn't have much if anything to do with the laboring process. Sooooo, I hate to dismiss the things a trained medical professional says, but I already know that the nursing staff in the hospital will be much more supportive of my desires, and they're the ones who will actually be there at the time. And we can just pray that the other OB's will be more supportive and that this particular one won't be on call the day Eli is born!! :)
6 comments:
Too bad about the strep but at least its not a big deal! Also..I'm not sure about a natural birth but I had to have an IV anyway of just saline to keep me hydrated. I'm sure its different at different hospitals though! I cannot wait to see Mr. Eli!!
Ugh to IVs. Hopefully the baby doesn't have to have one, too. We were just a big tangle of tubes between mine and Ian's IVs in the hospital. And it's sad to see that IV in that little hand! (His was for "observation" since we were both had fever when he was born.)
By the way, I'm telling you this because no one told me: the first six weeks are HARD. They baby doesn't respond much and pretty much just eats, sleeps, poops, and cries... sometimes for no apparent reason. And of course, you are dead tired. Take advantage of any family and friend help you can!! And right about six weeks, everything seemed to turn glorious: Ian started smiling and cooing, he rarely fusses, he'll sleep at night for longer stints (not all the way through, mind you) and he's been so flexible with going places and seeing people. The last two months have been a blur, but I am so in love with this little guy, and I know you'll be ecstatic when yours arrives, too.
Awww...that's a bummer, but I'm glad it's not something serious!! I wonder why it is that doctors are sometimes not supportive of natural childbirth? Go figure!
hey girl! no sweat--i was positive too! no biggie!
Ashlee had it too. You might have been required to have an IV as well. Ashlee hates needles too. post-delivery though, she is a fan of epidurals, for what it's worth.
I had Strep B as well. Made all these big plans to go at it without an epi, but finally asked for it and it worked out, too. I hope it goes smoothly for you. Karend is right - the first six weeks will almost get you and then poof! much better. We are praying for you all and Eli. Can't wait to keep reading the updates. Also, can you send me your address? We have a small gift but I wasn't able to attend your shower in Cincy b/c it was Andrew's birthday party!
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