Positive Strep Culture?

Can anyone tell me what a positive strep culture indicates in layman terms?

[kaia]

Thank you for your help. I thought it may be some type of minor infection but didn't know why they were swabbing for it again when I am delivering cesarean...I will see what I can find out!

[Christie2004]

What you are referring to is Group B strep.  This organism is a common and normal inhabitant of the human GI system.  It becomes a slight issue if it is cultured from the vaginal tract of a pregnant woman.  Upwards of 30% of women carry Group B strep in their genital tracts.  It is not an infection, not a venereal disease, and does not cause harm to the woman at all.

In a very small percentage of cases, if the infant becomes colonized with GBS (group b strep, for simplification), the infant may have a range of problems, from minor to life threatening.  It can be associated with pneumonia in the infant at birth, or sepsis.  It can also cause problems later, such as meningitis.  But--this is very rare.  So rare in fact, that up until a few years ago it was hotly debated whether treatment was needed or not.

Some doctors treat + GBS even if an elective C/S is planned.  The recommendations seem to change faster than the weather!  Some doctors have their own ideas on the subject and treat or don't treat according to what they believe is the best and most rational course of action.

Bottom line, if you are having an elective C/S your baby is at minimal risk even if you are positive for GBS.  Some doctors treat, some don't.  Chances are great that whatever the course of action, you and your baby will be fine.

[blondie72]

I am not sure what it is exactly but I know I tested positive for it while I was pg and the dr said it was ok I just needed antibiotics when I went into labor or the baby could get very sick when passing through the birth canal.  Everything was fine with me and my baby.  You could always go to Google.com and type it in the search engine and see what it pulls up.  Good Luck

[kaia]

Thank you for the info!

[Butterfly_Baybee2005]

Hello,
My name is Holly. I am 20 years old. I am planning on going off the pill (i have been on it for 3 years now) in November. I hope to get pregnant right away so I can give the news to my in-laws and my parents as an xmas gift. Do people usually have problems conceiving the first few months they go off the pill? How does it work? I also want to lose weight before I have a baby. As it is I am not comfortable in my skin. If anyone has suggestions or would like to chat, please email me at butterfly_baybee2005***@**** I will respond to everyone!
Also, will you only conceive on certain days of the month? I can use as much information as I can