midwife making me swab myself for group b strep

[xxcourtlynxx]

I have a doctors appointment in the morning to test for gbs. My midwife never done a pelvic exam or checked my cervix, which I understand not wanting to cause i fection and whatnot. But is it normal for her to make me swab myself? I thought that was her job?? This kind of upsets me. She acts like anytime I bring up being checked or the whole swabbing, that it's nasty or something.
Also, I'd been having a lot of Braxton hicks here in the past two days, do y'all think there's a good chance I'll possibly get checked at my appointment in the morning?

[Destynee2015]

It is routine. If all I have to do is get swabbed to find out if im a carrier, why not? Also, I was swabbed during labor and found out that I had it and was treated right away. I just wouldnt risk my babies health period. If theres a "chance baby can get it" its my job as a mother to take preventative measures. To each their own but I think its VERY NECESSARY. Im glad you took care of it yourself courtlynn and totally understand why it may have been uncomfortable doing it yourself. Take care.

[sabbylopez]

The test is NOT routine just like it isn't routine to get an ultrasound, or deliver at a hospital, erythromycin on the babies eyes after birth, the vitamin k shot, or even vaccinating. I have done my research about strep b for over two years. I've made an educated decision for my children. Not a f.e.a.r decision (fact exaggerated appearing real) doctors will scare you these days to do anything and they don't even tell you what it is. You can disagree with me all you want. The outcome of your babies health is on you no one else.

[EmaleeJoy]

Yeah, I would get it.... Considering I've known one person who died from it all because she had it and burned herself with her curling iron (she died 4 days after getting it, she went brain dead). And I was almost hospitalized myself. It can be extremely fatal to infants. I wouldn't recommend taking that risk. It's also been on more than one of those "monsters inside me" episodes and one where the girl did actually die.

[Rng2006]

I highly disagree with sabbylopez.  If there is even a slight chance I could prevent any harm to my baby, I will do it. Whether it be a simple swab test or something more invasive, I will do it. This test IS routine and it DOES and has prevented infections and complications in newborns and it also helps to prevent late onset infections in babies. Yes, this bacteria may come and go and you could test positive at 36 weeks and negative at birth. Big deal.. so you take antibiotics during labor when it isn't needed. I just think a simple test that could potentially save my baby's life is well worth it. There is no harm in taking it. To each his own.. I guess..

[sabbylopez]

And the test isn't that hard all you do is stick the tip in your vagina and then swab the outside of your butt hole. I refused the test with my first child and second and will be with this one. The doctors didn't agree with my first and told me I didn't know anything and he wasn't gonna be held liable for bla bla bla but my midwife agrees with me it is a pointless test.

[sabbylopez]

There is a 1-2% chance you giving baby strep b to your child with or without antibiotics. Also strep b can come and go whenever and it had been know in 15% of women that tested positive at 36 weeks will test negative during labor visa versa. It's a very small chance your baby will contract it. But if your baby DOES there is a 50% chance of mortality. So truly it is a pointless test. Because women tt test negative at 36 weeks could be positive in labor and not even know.