Hi All

[February2017]

I'm new here and just been informed I have GBS. I am 30 weeks. Trying to do as much research as I can. Gutted as I can't use the birthing centre

I keep reading that I would need to take antibiotics when my waters break or when I am in labour. Is this first signs of labour?

[Currylover]

I tested positive for GBS and delivered my baby 6 weeks ago. I was given antibiotics via a drip during labour and my son was born perfectly fit and healthy! I was disappointed I wasn't in the birth centre at first but once I was in labour I didn't care much about anything other than getting the baby out safely. Not everyone's waters break first. A lot of the time it can be when you're in quite established labour. Mine did however and so I called the hospital and was told to come straight in. Hope all goes well for you

[GBSSadmin Partner Volunteer Group B Strep Support]

Hi there,

You may find gbss.org.uk/pregnant useful in your research on group B Strep

NHS Choices defines labour starting as follows: "The main signs of labour starting are strong, regular contractions and a "show". A show is when the plug of mucus from your cervix comes away.

Other signs that labour is beginning include your waters breaking (rupture of the membranes), backache and an urge to go to the toilet, which is caused by your baby’s head pressing on your bowel." (nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy...

In an ideal world the three components that contribute to the diagnosis - contractions, rupture of membranes, and progressive dilation of the cervix would be coordinated. However, they're often not which can complicate things.

Our Medical Advisory Panel take a pragmatic approach to this - if the attending clinicians think there is a likelihood that labour has started and the baby will deliver, then it is time to start the antibiotics.

[Carriell1984]

Why can't you use the birthing centre? I've been told I can but midwife led and labour ears are only separated by a door.