Tested positive for Group B Strep, should I ask to be induced early?

Question

I live an hour away from the hospital and this is my first pregnancy. I'm afraid I'm not going to know when my water has broke because my friend said that hers just trickled out when another friend said it was a big gush of water. What if my water doesn't break but I'm in labor? I've had another friend who said the doctor had to break her water.

When they watch my baby for 48 hours, will he be in the room with me or in the nursery? I wasn't planning on breastfeeding but should I now since I have GBS?

Sorry.. I have so many questions! I can never think of any questions to ask my doctor when I'm at my appointment, go figure.

Answer 1

I'm a first time mom so I'm in no way an expert, but from what I experienced (I was also GBS+) you don't have to panic.

My contractions began midnight and I called the hospital but they said to wait until the contractions got stronger. It went on till the next day well into the afternoon and when I finally couldn't stand it I went to the hospital and they started me on a drip after checking that I had dilated 4cm. My water didn't break so the doc punctured it and it gushed out & my contractions went up several notches, long story short  I had my baby 11:25PM that day.

Well, in my case the hospital was only 5 minutes away so if I were you I'd probably be more comfortable going to the hospital when the contractions were 5-7minutes apart, or even sooner than that. They'll probably let you wait out the contractions in the hospital if you live far away, in my case I prefer waiting in the comfort of my own home rather than a cold hospital lobby.

My baby was healthy and never left my side from birth. GBS doesn't effect breastfeeding nor do you have to breastfeed because of GBS, but I breastfed my baby out of choice.

If you're still unsure and prefer to be induced early you have to ask your doctor. Ask about the consequences of early induction etc.

Before visiting the doctor I make a list of questions & put the list in my wallet so I wont forget.

Answer 2

If this is your first baby then your labor will probably be plenty long enough to get the antibiotics in your system before the baby comes.  If you even suspect that your water has broken then head to the hospital.  I'm sure all hospitals are different, but they should allow the baby to stay in the room with you if you want him there.  And I don't think that breastfeeding has anything to do with GBS.

Answer 3

Calm down!!!  Labour takes a long time.  Your water may or may not break, but you will know when you're in labour.  As soon as you are sure, get to the hospital, let them know you tested positive, and they will start you on a drip.  As long as your baby is healthy (which he will be) he will stay with you in your room.