Never a Dull Moment

As part of my routine 12-week OB appointment on Tuesday, I had blood drawn and I left a urine sample.  On Wednesday, I received a note in the My Chart app that my bloodwork had an abnormal result.  My Rubella test came back "indeterminate."  This means that the lab was unable to determine whether or not I have antibodies to protect against Rubella.  We don't know whether or not I'm immune.

It is very dangerous for the fetus if a mother contracts Rubella during pregnancy. So Rubella vaccinations are not given to pregnant women.  The plan is to re-check this value at my next appointment to see if we can get a definitive result.  If I am immune, no further action is required.  If I am not immune, I will need to get a Rubella vaccination after the baby is born (and avoid contracting Rubella in the meantime).  

This morning, I received a phone call from Dr. Kaufman's nurse.  She said that my urine sample had been processed, and they found Strep B bacteria in my urine.  This is a bacteria that they test for with a vaginal swab around 36 weeks.  If the bacteria is present, you receive antibiotics while in labor to protect the baby during delivery.  I tested positive for Strep B when pregnant with Gavin, so I anticipated getting the same result at 36 weeks this time.  

However, since the bacteria was detectable in my urine, I am considered to have an active infection and it must be treated with antibiotics.  So I will be taking Amoxicillin twice each day for a week.  The good news is that I can skip the vaginal swab at 36 weeks as they will treat me for Strep B bacteria during labor due to this test result.  

Hoping that the follow-up from my next appointment is less exciting!  Stay tuned.