Comments on: Group B Strep

By: This time around. | Pink Bekah

This time around. | Pink Bekah — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:16:25 +0000

[...] many studies that question the routine use of antibiotics ‘just in case’ and I love this article and how it really breaks down the numbers/risks. So this time, they can test me if they want, but [...]

By: Nicole Ahava

Nicole Ahava — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 13:00:04 +0000

Thank you. Just the info I needed!

Blessings

By: Group B Strepp Testing - Advice please :) - AllDoulas.com

Group B Strepp Testing - Advice please :) - AllDoulas.com — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:47:03 +0000

[...] [...]

By: GBS - AllDoulas.com

GBS - AllDoulas.com — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 05:41:59 +0000

[...] [...]

By: Brittany C.

Brittany C. — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:44:16 +0000

This is great, Stephanie. Thanks!

By: QoB

QoB — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 11:05:13 +0000

Also it’s worth noting that other developed countries do not routinely screen for GBS as it’s considered not cost-effective and more risky than worthwhile e.g.: the UK and Ireland.

By: Group B Strep – Why should I care? «

Group B Strep – Why should I care? « — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 10:26:10 +0000

[...] basic facts about GBS – this is a great link to start with. I love how she points out that despite one of the risk factors [...]

By: Anna

Anna — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:31:05 +0000

I wouldn’t be so eager about using Hibiclens either, as it kills both good and bad bacteria in the vagina, and messes with the bacterial balance in the flora.

In general, I seriously don’t buy the argument that the vagina is somehow “dirty”, and it may harm the baby unless we sterilize it in some way. In fact, think of all the beneficial bacteria that the baby is getting as well, as she is born! There’s a neat article about it here: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2010/06/23/baby%E2%80%99s-first-bacteria-depend-on-route-of-delivery/

Unless you have an infection or an inflammation in your vagina at the time of birth, the vaginal flora is in perfect balance. Do yourself a favour and don’t mess with a good thing — neither by using antibiotics, nor by douching with antiseptics.

Oh. And make sure the people who handle your baby (and shake hands with you!) wash their hands after they go to the bathroom.

By: elfanie

elfanie — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:34:06 +0000

Thea:
The studies on Hibiclens and GBS are reference in my blog. As for late onset usually occurring from someone handling the baby, like I said….it’s about 50/50 (50% from mom, 50% from outside sources).
For those reading Thea’s comment that don’t know…PTL means Preterm Labor.
As for my hibiclens protocol…it’s 1/2 oz hibiclens to 7.5 oz water.

As for no more than 6 exams on all women….that’s a LOT of internal exams, and LOTS of opportunity to push all sorts of infectious bacteria up towards that baby!! But everyone needs to make the decisions regarding GBS for themselves…

By: Thea

Thea — Thu, 06 May 2010 06:37:28 +0000

Early onset GBS means the baby obtained the strep during delivery. Late onset usually occurs from someone handling the baby that is unaware they are GBS+ and aren’t as meticulous with their handwashing than if they knew. Years ago, we would treat for GBS+ if a patient came in with PTL. The current theory is that an infection causes the PTL and the biggest offender is strep. Some years ago we would also treat GBS+ if we found it in urine earlier in the pregnancy with oral antibiotics but we found that some of our women would recolonize after treatment, even several treatments. The CDC sent out recommendations for all women to be screened at 36-37 weeks. Yes, a small percentage that were negative at 36-37 weeks will come up positive in labor. I would really be interested in the studies on hibiclens and its effectiveness on GBS+. I love hibiclens, especially if used to bathe with prior to a scheduled C/S. What is the ratio of clens to water when used to clean the vagina? On a different note. The push is for no more than 6 exams on all women byt especially those that have prolonged rupture of membranes or any kind of infection down there… I know that statistically the passing of +GBS is slim if mom is not colonized much. I don’t know, even with these numbers, I’d want antibiotics because I’ve seen what strep can do. Until the CDC changes their guidelines, we will continue antibiotics. There are all kinds of studies being done and with this kind of info I’m sure we’ll see a change in the future. This is a wonderful source. I use to teach students about GBS but I didn’t have the fine print details. Thanks for sharing.
Thea