How to Prevent Strep B in Pregnancy
According to Childbirth.org, Group B Streptococcus (GBS) has been identified as the number one cause of life-threatening infections in newborns. GBS is a bacteria that is normally found in the vagina or lower intestine of 15 to 40 percent of all women, making it more common than other illnesses for which pregnant women are routinely screened. The infection can be passed to the infant during childbirth if there is direct contact with the bacteria and can result in mental and physical handicaps in the fetus or even death. GBS has no symptoms, no known cause, may come and go naturally throughout a person's life and can only be diagnosed by a health care professional.
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Instructions
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Get tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend all pregnant women be tested for GBS between the 35th and 37th weeks of pregnancy. The test is conducted by taking a culture of the vagina and rectum to determine if the bacteria is present. Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours.
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Be aware of increased risk factors. Women who have had a history of GBS during previous pregnancies are at a higher risk for the bacteria in subsequent pregnancies. Also, those who have premature labor or premature rupture of the membranes have a higher risk of transferring the illness to their baby. Other risk factors include if there is a fever present before or during labor, or if the membranes have been ruptured for more than 12 hours before the baby is born.
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Take oral antibiotics. A health care professional may recommend treatment with oral antibiotics during pregnancy. This can help to decrease the amount of GBS in the body, but it will not eliminate the bacteria completely and will leave the baby unprotected at birth.
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Conduct testing at the time of delivery. If GBS screening has been overlooked or if labor begins before the 35th week, a health care professional can complete a rapid vaginal swab test to determine the presence of GBS.
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Start antibiotics intravenously. If a woman tests positive for GBS, a health care professional should start antibiotic treatment as labor begins to protect the baby from acquiring the bacteria during the delivery process.
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Tips & Warnings
Penicillin is the most commonly used antibiotic in GBS treatment. In rare instances, it can cause severe allergic reactions that may require emergency treatment.
