Group B Strep and Pregnancy: Jacqui's Story

by Jacqui
(Australia)

When I had my first child there was no mention of Strep B and tests were not routinely conducted. I had a very healthy baby boy born at home with no complications. I was very surprised 6 years later to be told I had to have a test for this "deadly" bacteria.

I tested positive to a 'moderate' level of strep and was told I must give birth in hospital attached to an antibiotic drip. I was distressed by this and went home and did more research.

I am glad I did, I am very allergic to penicillin and found out as mentioned above that the alternatives are very ineffectual. I went to my Naturopath and they made up a mix of anti bacterial herbs that I took (orally).

I also discovered on home birth websites that many midwives commented that the woman that tested positive seemed to have a much higher rate of babies born 'in the caul'. So I also took vitamins that I hoped would help strengthen the membranes.

At first I intended to be re-tested after a few weeks but then decided there was no point as there were no alternatives modern medicine were offering regardless.

I had my beautiful baby girl at home (I only lived 5 mins from the hospital so I felt that if anything went wrong I could easily transfer). I had another water birth and my daughter came out in the caul! Her little face was inside a full moon like bubble until the final push when she burst through. She never came in direct contact with the genital area at all so there was no risk.

I share this so people can refuse to have their waters unnecessarily broken.

For Strep B article Click Here