I feel so completely unprepared and terrified, yet also overwhelmingly joyous with anticipation. I cannot wait to get to know our second daughter better.
We found out that I’m Group B Strep positive this go-round. It’s not typically a big deal. I believe something like 20-40% of women are colonized with it, and it very rarely causes disease in immunocompetent hosts. However, it can cause serious disease in newborns, like bacterial sepsis, meningitis, or pneumonia. In order to prevent maternal transmission of disease, IV penicillin G is given to the mother at the onset of labor, and then every four hours thereafter. The first dose should be given at least four hours prior to delivery. My first labor didn’t last four hours, and I only got to the hospital about 30 minutes prior to delivery. So I’m a little concerned. Poor second child is going to have to be stuck and urine bagged and monitored for signs of sepsis as well as for congenital CMV. Builds character? She’s gonna be one tough cookie!
anna in med school 
Hi Anna, I’ve enjoyed checking in on your blog since I read your NY Times pieces. Just wanted to tell you that I was positive for Group B strep for each of my three deliveries. The second and third babies were both born too quickly for me to receive the antibiotics. In both cases, baby and I simply stayed at the hospital for 48 hours post-delivery so that the physicians could keep an eye on baby. Apparently, any symptoms of infection would present by then. After 48 hours both of us were discharged, both times, with no problems. I hope your experience is similar. Best wishes to you as you prepare for labor and delivery! Lisa
NY TImes piece, not pieces. Although who knows, perhaps in the future it will be “pieces”!
And thank you for this…maybe if I’m uber lucky one day 🙂
Hi Lisa!
Thank you so much for your kind comment–I’m really flattered that you check in here! And I VERY much appreciate the information. I haven’t met other women in a similar situation, and your first-hand experience is very good to know. Now I just need to orchestrate childcare for 48 hours if I’m lucky enough to have a similarly quick labor. Intellectually, I know chances of infection are small regardless, I’m just such a worrier! Thank you for the well wishes–I hope you’re enjoying a lovely weekend!
anna
Hey Anna,
To put things into perspective, if you labor is really short, (especially the time your membranes are ruptured), then baby is not exposed to GBS very long (and less chance of sepsis, etc.). If you labor takes longer you will have time for the antibiotics. Also most providers won’t be willing to SROM you unless you have had the 4 hours after your first antibiotic. GBS within the hosiptal setting is rarely a concern. I wish you lots of love and strength during in the upcoming weeks – enjoy being a family of 4!
Lynnsie
Hi Lynnsie,
So wonderful to hear from you–thank you for the kind note, and I really appreciate the perspective! I know I’m being far more of a worry wart than I need to be 🙂 Just hoping things go safely and smoothly, which I’m sure they will. We’re getting so excited!
Thank you again for the words of advice. They’re invaluable!
xo