Prevention of Group B Streptococcus infection during Pregnancy

Since the early 1970's, the bacteria Group B Streptococcus (GBS) has been identified as the one of the primary cause for life threatening infections in newborn babies. This bacteria is normally found in the vagina and/or lower intestine of 15%-40% of all healthy and adult women.

Strep B during pregnancy should never be confused with Strep A which causes strep throat. The vast majority of GBS infections are acquired during childbirth when the baby comes into direct contact with the bacteria carried by the mother.

Statistics reveal that approximately 12,000 infants in the US become infected with GBS every year. This bacteria leads to the death of approximately 2,000 infants yearly, while leaving many others mentally and/or physically handicapped.

Strep B during pregnancy usually causes infant illness within the first seven days of life, but late onset infections may occur up to three months of age. Performance of a cesarean section usually do not eliminate the risk of this infection.

Strep B and pregnancy

Do All Women Carry GBS-

If 1000 women, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, had a vaginal culture taken, 150-350 would test positive for GBS.

Is GBS a Sexually Transmitted Disease-

Since GBS is normally found in the vagina and/or rectum, this bacteria usually does not cause genital symptoms or discomfort and is generally not linked with increased sexual activity. Therefore GBS is not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease.

What Complications Does GBS Cause-

This illness occurs when the bacteria enters the baby's blood stream. This can then lead to shock, pneumonia, and meningitis (an infection of the baby's spinal fluid and brain tissue). In certain cases, evidence exists that GBS may cross intact membranes to infect the baby in utero. All of these conditions are life threatening.

When is GBS can become a threat-

GBS can be present in a woman's first pregnancy, or in following pregnancies. The bacteria can act as a threat during pregnancy and at the time of delivery.

HIGH RISK SITUATIONS:

• When labor is premature
• When there is premature rupture of the membranes
• When there is prolonged rupture of membranes before the baby is born
• If the mother has a fever before or during labor
• Women who have a history of GBS in previous pregnancies

Prevention of Strep B during pregnancy

Strep B during pregnancy can be prevented . There is a fast and effective treatment for this by giving antibiotics through the vein to the mother during labor can greatly reduce the frequency of GBS infection in the baby immediately after birth or during the first week of life.
A rapid test has been developed that can detect the presence of GBS from a vaginal swab. This test can be completed during labor.

No one really knows ahead of time if she will find herself in a high risk situation during pregnancy or labor. Now that you are aware of Strep B infection during pregnancy, please take the time to discuss Group B Streptococcus testing and preventative treatment with your doctor.