Antibiotics
Observations
Early discharge
Breastfeeding
Septic work-up
Antibiotics. In the past, babies may have been given an injection of penicillin at birth. This was often the case if the mother tested positive for group B strep in her pregnancy, but did not receive any antibiotics during the labour (usually because the baby was born too quickly). This practise is now considered outdated, mainly because it tended to result in babies becoming sicker with infections resistant to penicillin. It is now not recommended that babies be given antibiotics routinely, unless they are showing signs of infection.
Observations. It is generally accepted that babies born to women who have had a positive Group B Strep test in the pregnancy, should be observed on the postnatal ward for about 24 hours or so after the birth. Observations by the caregiver can include checking the baby's temperature, heart rate, and appearance, breathing and feeding patterns. If the baby becomes unwell, they would to be cared for in the intensive care nursery and have antibiotics through the vein.
If the woman's waters were broken for more than 24 hours before the birth, the baby may have swab tests taken (with a sterile cotton bud) from around their cord area and inside their ear (before being bathed). This is to detect any presence of strep B bacteria that may have been in the amniotic fluid. If the baby becomes unwell, the result may help caregivers to treat the baby more accurately.
Early discharge. Some early discharge programs will not let mothers go home with their babies until at least 24 hours after the birth, so the baby can be 'observed' for this time. Other hospitals do not have this restriction, especially if the birth was straightforward and there were no other risk factors. The caregiver would generally educate the parents about any possible signs of infection, and ask that they return to hospital if they are concerned.
Breastfeeding.