checking for dilation

Hi nickistar...my last baby was nearly 9 years ago lol, so don't know if things have changed...but from memory I can't say I was 'checked' for dilation. However, I think I remember my midwife saying she would check how soft my cervic was, and I think that was about 2 weeks before I was due... This would probably vary from each person.

In regards to strep B...I was checked at about 8 weeks because I had thrush and a swab was done, showing I was positive. As you probably know this is something that can show up one week but be gone the next. But once shown positive, I will be treated as such throughout, with antibiotics being given at the birth or as soon as waters break. I think it is 'normally' tested at 36 weeks from what I have been told....so I'd say next week for you.

Hope this helps a little

No problem
Its a simple test so nothing to worry about.

I asked this at my last MW visit and apparently due to discomfort they tend not to do one until you are in labour, but may vary MW to MW.. GL with your pg

The strep B swap should be standard now. I have also read that it is supposed to be done around 36-38 weeks in nz literature. It never used to be standard practice but should be now. It is a common flora in women, but if found positive during pregnancy, it can be passed to baby during labour causing a range of problems from breathing difficultes, pheumonia, etc.

And no, I did not have any predisposing factors. I had it tested early because a swab was already going up there! lol

However, a comment about it varying between each medical person......I was told by my doctor who confirmed my pregnancy that I'd be routinely tested around 36 weeks....then first visit with mw said the same. And also with my visit with the antenatal/diabetic team at the hospital said the same...they said regardless of diabetes it is checked now.

Anyway....this is the info I had been given. Being told my 3 different medial professionals that this is a routine check now, regardless of any other factors.

hmm that really interesting about the strep b swab' i was lead to believe that it was an essential and routine test that was carried out with all pregs at 36 or so weeks. I hav had them with all my kids (3) and my first was 9 yrs ago with a mw ( now with a dr) i've already been told when i will hav the test with this preg. I think that even if i wasn't offered this test i would be asking for it to be done as strp b in babies is really dangerous and so preventable. thats just my opinion anyway.

I did the strep b swab myself.

As for checking my cervix. That wasn't done until I was in established labour and was 5cm dilated then.. no checks leading up to labour

The thing with strep b is you can test negative for it at 36 weeks and then have it when you are in labour so thats why not everyone has it.

I only got an internal beofre labour to have a stretch and sweep.

I had an internal 10 days before joel was born but only cause I was admitted to hosp with high Bp and mild contractions. Then had them again in labour.

Strep B I asked about it first time around and was told about 36 weeks then went into labour and had a cs before that could be done, to be honest completely forgot second time around but mw would have done one if I had asked.

Might pay to ask for one with your mw, not just assume you are getting it done.

On a sad note though, a friend of my sister lost her second baby at 8 days, and it was later confirmed that it was strep B, didn't show with number one as he was prem and given antibiotics which would have killed the bugs. She has gone on to have another and was treated in labour and baby after, and the baby was the biggest healthiest baby she had.

Hi

 

RE: strep B I think it does come down to  the MW & or OB, I was found positive with strep B with DD2 in early pregnancy and the same later in pregnancy so I was given antibiotics via IV line, and with DD1 because I was positive when preggers with DD2 they didnt bother testing me and just gave me thru IV when I was in labour with this pregnancy the same is gonna happen, I havent been tested for it but Im gonna have the antibiotics anyway...

 

Checking for dilation: I ask for internals around the 38 wks mark  just to check if my cervix is ripening and effaceing not that it does much for me even if I am ripening coz I still go over due. Im one of those people that still wont go into labour even though Im 5-6cm dialated (thanks to having nice strong braxton hicks contractions), I still have to get a kick start eg: Stretch & sweep. Once my labour does establish then bobs your uncle and Im over and done with in a couple of hours LOL...

Pop over and join us in the Dec 08 board I think your EDD is around the 1st week of Dec?

Nefertiti, before I had DD2 i'd had 4 daughters proir to her and I was never tested for strep B so I was really shocked when I found out about Strep B I'd had'nt even heard of it until I had DD2 in 2006. I was actually quite annoyed. My other children are 18, 17, 13 & 8 so im not sure if the test even existed way back then but I thank god none of those 4 contracted it, It really is a scary thing to think about..I agree that if your a first time mum that it should be a compulsory test. I never really knew how life threatning StrepB is either...