please help

[chellebelle_n_josh]

I am 37w and 4d pregnant with my second child. I tested positive for group b strep last week at the doc. I'm a little worried. With my first pregnancy I tested negative for gbs. My water broke at 38 weeks with my first, and I was wondering if it would be bad if my water broke this time having group b strep. And if it isn't bad for my water to break would it be ok to take castor oil having group b strep. I am only dilated to a 1 and experiencing intense braxton hicks contractions and lots of pressure "down there." I'm just nervous and ready to have my baby because of this gbs I really don't want my baby to get it. Oh and I've tried having lots of sex and still nothing. Please help I'll take any advice. Thanks:)

[littlelamb2715]

I had GBS with #2 also and felt the exact same way as you. I took the caster oil and it have me INTENSE contractions for about 3 hours and then stopped. I say don't take it.

[Cycl3Chick]

There aren't really any studies that show castor oil really works.  I have always heard its an old wives tale.  And be careful what you take because lots of things can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics...

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I dont' agree with castor oil either.  At this point it really isn't adviseable to be trying so hard to get your baby to come out.  Typically speaking, when a babys lungs are mature the baby releases a hormone that triggers your body to begin the process of labor.  Occasionally this doesn't happen which is why some people end up with inductions etc. Baby needs all the "baking" time s/he can get in order to ensure the lungs and other various functions are fully mature.  As for the GBS, your doctor should administer IV antibiotics while you are in labor to help reduce the risk of baby getting it.  The risk of baby developing any long term affects is minimal.  (98-99% of all babies born to infected mothers will not become infected, if treated. Of those who become infected few will have any problems with the treatment for the infection)

[alaysha]

I would never recommend taking castor oil since that can cause horrible problems to the baby. Babies are recommended to stay in there the full 40 weeks since they are still developing. Even though its considered "safe" to give birth at 36 + weeks its not recommended since sometimes even at 40 weeks baby isnt fully developed. As for GBS, I had it with my last pregnancy. My water broke at 38 weeks and I wasn't experiancing any contractions or anything. I went to the hospital and they hooked me up to the IV with the medication and induced me. It doesn't matter if your water breaks or you go into labor on your own just that you get the medication into your system before the baby is born.