Just wanted to share this....
Firstly we were told that Katie died because of an abnormally short cord
Then Monday we were told that Katie died because of a clotting problem with my blood - the consultant did say at the time (to be fair) that this was the only abnormal result and therefore he was assuming it to be the 'villain'
Now today - final PM report is back and I'm being told that most likely Katie died of infection due to my positive Group B Strep status (which was found out after she'd died).
My head is spinning - and worse than anything, I feel responsible. Normally GBS is only a problem during labour - only other danger is if there is a way for it to get into the amniotic fluid (small tear or something in amniotic sack). I remember a week or so before she died that I had been to the loo and when I had finished some wee came out (sorry for graphic nature of this post). They had told us in antenatal class that incontinence is common and you shouldn't worry - so I thought it was just that. I think it might have happened again at some point as well. With hindsight - was this my amniotic fluid leaking? If I had gone to the hospital they would have swabbed me, found the GBS and given antibiotics. I could have saved my beautiful, perfect baby. Instead, it feels like I gave her life, and then I took it away again.
As you can tell from above, there are still some Qs why Katie died, but it does seem that this is considered to be the primary contributing factor. GBS is generally not a problem when treated properly. In some places they routinely swab for it at 36 weeks and then if positive they can treat you for it before you go into labour (which is where the majority of problems arise). Therefore I'd say to everyone - 1) ask for a swab late in your pregnancy and b) always get any 'leaks' checked out at the hospital.
Easy with hindsight isn't it?
Okay - think I've got some of this off my chest now.
Anjela
xxxx