just back from MW at 35 weeks, got my Strep B swab

[almeria]

Yeah I did get anti biotics, just a normal 5 day course. But it's in my notes now that I have to get the intravenous injection when I go into labour. Because the test to see if you have strep B takes 24 hours, and obviously don't want to risk it if it's came back so I get the antibiotics again regardless. Apparently it's really common and can come back even after you've taken the antibiotics. The main thing is I'm getting this injection anyway x

yes, at least it is one less thing for you to have to worry about. thanks for the info x

 

[almeria]

my mw said that as its a bacteria, if you have it it shows up in your urine as its all so closely linked! don't mind what sort of test they would give me!

my mw is a pain in the back side! she's reluctant to give me information about anything i ask! and even forgot to check my blood results at 28 week appointment, had to wait till 31 week appointment to find out the results! think i'm going to demand that i get the strep b test, though i have a feeling she'll say no! if she does i want it on my notes so i can make a formal complaint if anything were to happen!

it's a shame that care seems to be so varied, at the end of the day, you have the right to request the test, or to be made aware of any results, information to do with your pregnancy!
i am lucky that my midwife listens to me, and is very thorough and generally a nice lady!

so my appointment was yesterday, and it was one of the worst i've had she always runs behind on her appointments and so i decided to start booking my appointments for the morning instead of the afternoon, well my appointment was at 10am and i didn't get called in till 10:35 and she didn't even apologise for making me wait! i asked about the strep b test (for the second time) and she said she'd see if my urine had protein in it for a 3rd time . . . which it didn't and so she said no to doing the test . . . wtf?!? she hasn't put on my notes if baby is engaged or not, and yet to feel his head she had to press seriously hard (actually hurt and i was wincing and she didn't care!) and her finger and thumb were well below my pelvic line! i feel she's quite useless and think once i know i wont have to see her any more i'll write a letter for complaint to the surgery she works at! oh and i was out in less than 10 mins!

Gosh, i am so sorry for you, your care doesn't sound very good at all!
I am thankful that at least my MW is understanding, considerate and listens to my concerns. I also have much longer appointments, usually around 25 minutes, and i never feel rushed to leave.
It really does make a difference when you feel in the loop...
You know, probably everything is fine regarding strep b, but if you would like to get tested, why not go to your GP instead of relying on your MW?
If you insist, they can't refuse xx

 

[Xcitedmum]

I was going to ask for a Strep B test at my 36week appointment with consultant but didn't. Not sure why I think this but am I correct in saying that you should ask for this test if you have protein in your urine at 36wks?

Because my urine sample was clear I didn't ask for it - do you think I should? Please advise!

As it is not offered to everyone - what makes them check for it in some mums to be?

 

[almeria]

I was going to ask for a Strep B test at my 36week appointment with consultant but didn't. Not sure why I think this but am I correct in saying that you should ask for this test if you have protein in your urine at 36wks?

Because my urine sample was clear I didn't ask for it - do you think I should? Please advise!

As it is not offered to everyone - what makes them check for it in some mums to be?

sorry, i don't know the connection between strep b and protein in the urine, i for example have no symptoms or protein in my urine, but requested and was given a strep b swab. strep b is a bacteria that lives in the vagina of many women, and can cause complications during labour if present.
apparently every pregnant woman should be tested at 36 weeks, but many aren't... it seems to depend on the attitude of the MW.
i felt i wanted to get the test done for my peace of mind, it is up to you whether you feel it is necesary, as long as you are aware of the risks x

 

[Xcitedmum]

sorry - i only read the rest of the thread after posting! I have another appointment next week so think I will mention Strep B even though no protien in urine.

My friend had it - she was tested for it by a trainee when she had had a slight bleed. Turned out she tested positive. As a result she got the anti biotics during pregnancy and was put on drip during labour. She and her son had to stay in hospital for a week when he was born as he was found to have it when born. As someone else said, it can have serious consequences if not spotted prior to labour.

 

[almeria]

sorry - i only read the rest of the thread after posting! I have another appointment next week so think I will mention Strep B even though no protien in urine.

My friend had it - she was tested for it by a trainee when she had had a slight bleed. Turned out she tested positive. As a result she got the anti biotics during pregnancy and was put on drip during labour. She and her son had to stay in hospital for a week when he was born as he was found to have it when born. As someone else said, it can have serious consequences if not spotted prior to labour.

thanks for the story, it does highlight potential dangers.
glad your friend got tested, she was probably lucky that a trainee tested her, who was trying to be thorough!