Discovery Home & Health

Hi, just want some reassurance that I can have a healthy baby really. I'm only 7+3 weeks pregnant but I've just found out I've tested positive for GBS. I'm gutted and terrified I'm carrying a bacteria that could harm my baby at birth. I'm not having any treatment and I'm to be re-tested at 36 weeks.

Has anyone who has GBS had a healthy baby? All I seem to hear about is stories of babies that have been infected and it scares the hell out of me. I just feel like I have a black cloud hanging over me.

Kate

Hi there I have seen many programms on telly about this. Yes you can have a healthy baby. They give you antibiotics when you are in labour to prevent your baby from getting it too. I will look up some links for you.

http://www.gbss.org.uk/

http://www.astdhpphe.org/infect/strepb.html

http://www.childbirth.org/articles/GBS.html

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-...A:en&q=group+b+strep

Hi Kate,

I am due on the 6th Jan, and I had the possibility of having GBS a few weeks ago, it turned out that it was some other bacterial thing, but do try not to worry, and I am sorry to contradict Musswells I know how helpful and supportive you are here , but please do not read all these websites about GBS, they will do you more harm than good. I went into panic overload when reading the GBS websites. I was informed by every health professional that it was something that can be easily dealt with, and it is sooooooo much better the fact that they know that you have GBS, rather than not knowing. It is scary and it is worrying, but please try not to let it affect your pregnancy, as the stress will not help baby, which I know you know
Now that they know that you have GBS, as Musswells has said, it can be treated when you go into labour, by an antibiotic drip. It is a bacteria that the majority of people have living in them, so there is nothing that you have done or could have done that would have changed you having GBS. Talk to your GP, or Midwife or Dr, or anyone that supports you, get as much factual information as possible, and I am sure everything will be fine.

Sending you hugs,

Jo
x

Thanks Jo thats really helped, I know what you mean about the websites thats when I went into a panic yesterday, the opening lines on all of them are how it can be fatal in newborns, just what you need to read!

You are right at least they know I've got it and can take preventative measures. I guess the sad stories you hear are from mothers who didn't know they have it? Its awful I don't know why they don't routiney screen for it if its so common.

Good luck for the birth of your baby, not long now at all!

Glad you are a bit calmer today hon

I was told that it isnt tested for in this country because the tests they do are never conclusive and even if they test for it there is a percentage chance they wont find it. Its something that most of us have living in our guts (nice!!) and only sometimes does it become a factor in pregnancy. You just take the best care you can do of yourself, I know from reading the threads over the last 9 months what an uphill climb it has been for you. Keep yourself well When the Dr told me that it was possible GBS that I had, I went into a self blaming meltdown especially from reading the websites about it, luckily I have a good friend training to be a midwife and she really did reassure me that it is something that can be dealt with when it needs to be.

If you ever need to chat then I am always about,

Joxx

Kate I am sorry I sent the links to help. But looks like all I did was scare you and that was not what I intented to do[]

Best Wishes
Lorraine. x

Lorraine you didn't scare me at all I know you were trying to help and I am really grateful you took the time to reply to me. I had already read some stuff on the internet the day I found out and it wasn't from the links you posted, please don't worry []

Thank goodness for that I have been really worried about it all night and day as I was trying to help. I hope that it will all be ok and that you will have no problems at all.

xx

Sorry Lorraine if I contributed to your worry. LIke I said before you are a great support here to many many people, dont you ever stop being as helpful as you are. and Happy New year too
Jox

If I am honest u did worry me. I had a bad time on another forum at the start of my pregnancy and I was a very upset by it all. When I saw that I might have caused worry I worried a lot cos I do try to help others where I can. Its ok I know its all sorted now.

Happy New Year

Love Lorraine. x