On 11/27/2012, my whole life changed. My son was born sleeping. A month prior to his death, I went to the ER complaining of clear fluid leakage. The nurse ran a swab test and told me I was clear and that I had an infection and she would get the doctor. About 30 minutes later she came in and told me to go buy Monistat over the counter and that I had a yeast infection. I told her that I had no symptoms of a yeast infection. I was never seen by a doctor nor did the nurse run a culture to make sure it was a yeast infection.
A month later, I went into labor. My body was pushing out my dead baby. I was admitted to the hospital with a high fever, chills and labor back pain. I knew my son was gone. They were not able to find a heartbeat. After what seemed to be longest day of my life, doctor told me the pathology report stated that I had a heavy growth of Strep B and that it had reached my son. She told me my son was covered with this bacteria and that it entered into his bloodstream. I was aware about the GBS testing but I never understood why they did it. Since I had two previous c-sections my provider did not make a big deal about it.
I had gotten pregnant with my son 3 months after my daughter's birth. I remember the medical assistant told me that I tested positive for GBS when I asked her for the results of the test. She told me that since I was going to deliver via c-section not to worry about. I am in the process of collecting all of my medical records. I wish that they would test for the bacteria in the second trimester. My mission is now to spread the word and advice other mothers about GBS. I am telling all of my friends to ask to be tested before their 3rd trimester and to keep making sure throughout their pregnancy. Although according to research, intrauterine infections are rare, it happened to me. What happens to the rare cases? How can we prevent GBS from attacking our babies in utero? I had no symptoms! I should have known my son was fighting for his life. I want to prevent this from happening to someone one. I was 6 months.
My first boy and now I am left with this pain in my heart. Our lives will never be the same. I will advocate for my son and all the daughters and sons that were taken away. I have so many questions about intrauterine infections or prenatal onset. I can be contacted through our website, jalensgift.org. It's still so surreal. I have to do something and speak up for my son! I cannot stop feeling like I need to do something. If someone can please guide me to start a support group in Las Vegas or tell me what I can do to speak up for my son. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I ask for prayers.. I feel so lost..
Thank you,
Gabriela Foster, NV, USA
Gabriela started Fight4Jalen.org, post info on Facebook, and tell friends to pass on the word.
A month later, I went into labor. My body was pushing out my dead baby. I was admitted to the hospital with a high fever, chills and labor back pain. I knew my son was gone. They were not able to find a heartbeat. After what seemed to be longest day of my life, doctor told me the pathology report stated that I had a heavy growth of Strep B and that it had reached my son. She told me my son was covered with this bacteria and that it entered into his bloodstream. I was aware about the GBS testing but I never understood why they did it. Since I had two previous c-sections my provider did not make a big deal about it.
I had gotten pregnant with my son 3 months after my daughter's birth. I remember the medical assistant told me that I tested positive for GBS when I asked her for the results of the test. She told me that since I was going to deliver via c-section not to worry about. I am in the process of collecting all of my medical records. I wish that they would test for the bacteria in the second trimester. My mission is now to spread the word and advice other mothers about GBS. I am telling all of my friends to ask to be tested before their 3rd trimester and to keep making sure throughout their pregnancy. Although according to research, intrauterine infections are rare, it happened to me. What happens to the rare cases? How can we prevent GBS from attacking our babies in utero? I had no symptoms! I should have known my son was fighting for his life. I want to prevent this from happening to someone one. I was 6 months.
My first boy and now I am left with this pain in my heart. Our lives will never be the same. I will advocate for my son and all the daughters and sons that were taken away. I have so many questions about intrauterine infections or prenatal onset. I can be contacted through our website, jalensgift.org. It's still so surreal. I have to do something and speak up for my son! I cannot stop feeling like I need to do something. If someone can please guide me to start a support group in Las Vegas or tell me what I can do to speak up for my son. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I ask for prayers.. I feel so lost..
Thank you,
Gabriela Foster, NV, USA
Gabriela started Fight4Jalen.org, post info on Facebook, and tell friends to pass on the word.
To learn more about Perinatal & GBS Misconceptions, click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of Preterm Labor, click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of GBS Infection, click HERE.
To learn more about Why Membranes Should NOT Be Stripped, click HERE.
To learn more about How to Help Protect Your Baby from Group B Strep (GBS), click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of Preterm Labor, click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of GBS Infection, click HERE.
To learn more about Why Membranes Should NOT Be Stripped, click HERE.
To learn more about How to Help Protect Your Baby from Group B Strep (GBS), click HERE.