Should I test for group B strep?

Question

It's not a routine test here and if my midwife agreed to test me, the way the NHS do it is not very accurate. 
I can pay to be tested privately but I'm just trying to decide whether it's necessary or not? Obviously I don't want to put my baby at risk but I don't want to give/take antibiotics that might not be necessary.

Answer

It's not a choice in my office but a requirement

Answer

It can cause meningitis in the baby if they get it from you. Definitely worth it to protect your little one

Answer

The way my dr explained it to me is that there is not enough research to know exactly where it comes from in the body, but when your baby passes through the birth canal they can pick it up so once you go into labor they will give you antibiotics to take to protect your baby since babies have gotten sick from it.

Answer

I am seeing a midwife and wasn't required to test, but chose to for peace of mind. If you do test positive, there is an antiseptic rinse you can do instead of antibiotics that has been shown to be an effective treatment during labor. It's called Hibiclens or chlorhexidine, and you use it as a vaginal rinse after your water breaks once an hour and as close as possible to the birth.

Answer

I was tested positive and chose to forego the antibiotics as I rely more on holistic measures of treatment. Just kept a very close eye on my baby the first week as far as a fever or anything, took him to the naturopath paediatrician to make sure everything was fine which it was. It was very important to me to not get antibiotics as I wanted to be at my most optimal health breast feeding, also did not want to disturb the natural bacteria that gets passed to your baby through vaginal birth. And for obvious reasons did not want my hours old baby getting antibiotics as well. There's not even a 1 in 10,000 chance your baby would contract anything and doctors will try to use scare tactics to get you to follow their procedures, do what is comfortable for you

Answer

It's not really that precise anywhere because they have to test soon before baby is coming but no one knows when baby will come.

Answer

I would look up the risks of having it, not getting treatment, and how that could effect baby. I'm sure that will give you the perfect reason on why you should. Or should not do it.

Answer

Er well, if you don't test you'll be given the antibiotic anyway. So, it's better to test so that you're not given one if you don't need it. And tbh, if your midwife doesn't give you it if you don't test, that's irresponsible.

Should I test for group B strep?

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