How pregnant mothers can protect their unborn babies

By Rolling Out
Feb 12, 2013
9:38 am

Group B strep

What is group B strep?

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacterial infection that can be found in a pregnant woman’s vaginal area. This bacteria is normally found in the vagina and/or rectum of about 25 % of all healthy, adult women.

During pregnancy, a screening is performed between the 35th and 37th week of pregnancy by swab to check for Group B strep.

If you test positive for GBS, your physician will recommend giving you antibiotics through IV during your delivery to prevent your baby from becoming ill. By taking these antibiotics, it will decrease the chances of your baby developing early onset group B strep infection.

Mother’s who are not tested are putting the newborn at risk to develop serious issues such as:

Breathing problems, heart and blood pressure instability
Gastrointestinal and kidney problems
Sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis are the most common complications

According to the CDC, “On average, about 1,200 babies in the U.S. less than one week old get early-onset group B strep disease each year with rates of group B strep disease higher among blacks. Group B strep can also cause some miscarriages, stillbirths and preterm deliveries. There are many different factors that lead to stillbirth, pre-term delivery, or miscarriage. Most of the time, the cause is not known.”

This is one reason that prenatal care is extremely important for all women. Early detection of this and any infection can mean the difference of life or death for an unborn baby.