A bit of a mixture today! Strep B, low folate and endo investigations..

[Faith27]

The other day during a Gynacologist appointment the Dr told me that I previously (last year) tested positive for Strep B. This wasn't something that I was aware of at the time, however the Dr shared that I need to know about it because if we do conceive, I'll need antibiotics during labour. This in itself is fine and I've been told that it normally just lies dormant so won't impact me at all generally however can be very dangerous for babies during the early stages of birth so they get monitored more closely.

I've since been reading online through the NHS website - nhs.uk/conditions/group-b-s... - that there is an extremely small risk that it can cause miscarriages and still births.

Whilst I also read that it affects so many people, I can't help but feel that with folate deficiencies in my blood which can affect a baby, now this and with my future investigations for endo that were just set up to fail or to have a really tough experience.. as if trying and no joy for 2 years hasn't been difficult enough.

I'm very much a glass half full person but can't help but wonder how this is all going to impact on my fertility, a possible baby if we ever get that glimmer of hope and the future.

Overall I'm happy that the Dr is looking into the possibility of endometriosis- she has referred me for a laparoscopy in the future which is great but just wondering if anyone else has experience of knowledge of strep B and/or folate deficiency to share how they feel about it all? I'm not really sure what I feel but perhaps preempting that we have more difficulties to come? Is this normal I wonder.. I guess it would be!

Thanks xx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Faith. All I can tell you is Strep B is just one of the many organisms that grow in our bodies and is sometimes present in the vagina. Often not ever discovered unless by accident when testing for other problems/infections. It can also come and go, so swabs are not always reliable and if found to be “positive” - you could be “negative” as you go into labour! However, ideally you should have intravenous antibiotics for at least two hours before your baby is born and every four hours during labour, but this would be discussed with your consultant, who will best guide you. There are some risks with taking antibiotics for you and your baby so your doctor will discuss your particular case with you to see whether treatment is the best option for you. that. Well you seem to know all this from your research, but as you have a folate deficiency too, it is always good to bring the subject up at consulatons to ensure everyone is aware. Good luck! Diane

[Faith27 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks Diane! That's all really good information to know and reassures me that there's probably nothing to worry about.. plus we would be very lucky to get in that position of being pregnant in the first place so keeping my fingers and toes crossed that this is all just another hurdle to cross if and when that time comes 😊 the info and advice is very much appreciated! Xx

[Hidden]

My sister had strep b with her second and she can’t even remember getting antibiotics or anything must have tho but mustn’t have been that memorable quick injection?

[Faith27 in reply to Hidden]

That's good to know! Its far more common than you think by the looks and most people are unaware. Glad to hear your sister can't remember getting antibiotics.. you're right mustn't have been that bad of a process! Thanks lovely xx

[Hidden in reply to Faith27]

Maybe just too caught up in labour she doesn’t remember lol

[Faith27 in reply to Hidden]

Lol probably!! Haha xx