Pregnancy is a transformative journey, and ensuring the health of both mother and baby is the top priority. There is one concern regarding the mother's health when pregnant, namely Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Infection by the bacterial group can endanger pregnancy and the birth process as well, making it essential to understand its signs, screening and treatment options.
Group B Strep is an ordinary bacterium that inhabits the intestines and lower part of the reproductive tract of healthy adults. It does not always make one ill but can prove to be a problem during pregnancy. It’s unclear why some individuals carry GBS while others do not, but it is a naturally occurring bacterium in the body. However, it is transmitted to newborns in labour and delivery if precautions are not followed.
Although GBS is not always complicated, in some instances, it may result in infections among newborns, which can result in pneumonia, meningitis or sepsis. Awareness and early treatment are therefore essential.
Most women with Group B Strep show no symptoms. In some instances, though, it may cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other complications. The following are some possible symptoms:
● Frequent urge to urinate
● Burning or pain when urinating
● Fever and chills
● Vaginal discharge with a strange smell
● Abdominal pain
Occasionally, GBS can also cause amniotic fluid infection, which is more likely to cause preterm labour. It is for this reason that a Group B Strep pregnancy test is an essential part of antenatal care.
To avoid complications, GBS screening is typically conducted between weeks 35 and 37 of pregnancy.. Screening involves a quick swab of the vagina and rectum to detect whether or not the bacteria are present.
When a test comes back positive, it doesn't mean that the baby will become infected, but it does mean precautions should be taken during labour to avoid transmission.
When a pregnant woman is found to be GBS positive, treatment needs to be done to lower the chances of transmitting the infection to the baby. The standard treatments for Group B Strep pregnancy include:
● Antibiotics During Labour: Intravenous (IV) antibiotics, usually penicillin, are given during labour to avert transmission to the infant.
● Monitoring for Early Signs of Infection: Infants born to GBS-positive mothers are monitored closely for early signs of infection in the first few hours after birth.
● Alternative Antibiotics for Allergies: If the mother is penicillin-allergic, alternative antibiotics like clindamycin can be employed.
If GBS is not treated, there is a risk of transmission to the infant during delivery. Possible complications are:
● Early-onset GBS infection (develops in the first week of life)
● Late-onset GBS infection (appears after the first week, usually as a result of exposure outside of birth)
● Pneumonia
● Meningitis
● Sepsis
Early treatment and diagnosis substantially reduce these risks, making for a safer delivery and healthy beginnings for the infant.
At Cloudnine, pregnant women are provided with complete prenatal care, encompassing Group B Strep pregnancy tests as part of standard screening. The skilled obstetricians ensure early diagnosis and Group B Strep pregnancy treatment to ensure the protection of mother and child.
Cloudnine's advanced infrastructure and evidence-based maternity care guarantee efficient risk management of potential pregnancy-related issues. With customised care and expert advice, Cloudnine offers a safe and supportive environment for pregnant women.
Group B Strep is a prevalent bacteria that, although harmless in most instances, has the potential to be dangerous when pregnant or giving birth. Knowing what causes Group B Strep, identifying symptoms, and having a Group B Strep pregnancy test are essential steps to having a safe delivery.
Expert maternity care at Cloudnine guarantees pregnant women the optimal treatment and attention during their gestation period. Schedule an appointment with Cloudnine specialists today for expert guidance and personalised maternity care.
GBS is a normal bacterium that may be present or absent in the body. Once identified during pregnancy, it must be treated to avoid problems.
No, GBS is not an STD. It is a benign bacterium that is present in the gut and reproductive tract of many adults.
If the waters have not yet broken before the C-Section, the risk of passing on GBS to the baby is considerably less. However, antibiotics can still be administered as a precaution.
Pregnant women are screened for GBS during weeks 35-37 of pregnancy. Women with a previous history of GBS in previous pregnancies may need further monitoring.
If labour has commenced before the administration of antibiotics, the health providers will provide them as early as possible. Newborns who are born in such a scenario are watched for any infections very closely.
