Pregnancy is a thrilling journey filled with anticipation and joy, but it also comes with a lot of concerns and precautions. One such concern is Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a bacterium that can inhabit the gastrointestinal tract and genital tract without causing harm to healthy adults. However, it can pose significant risks to newborns if transmitted during childbirth. Understanding GBS and its implications during pregnancy is crucial for expectant mothers and healthcare providers. In this article, the experts from the Group B Strep Test Clinic in the UK explain about the Group B Streptococcus.

Here's what you need to know about GBS in pregnancy:

1. Prevalence:

GBS is relatively common, with around 1 in 4 pregnant women carrying the bacteria in their rectum or vagina.

2. Transmission to newborns:

GBS can be passed to newborns during childbirth if the mother is colonized with the bacteria. This transmission typically occurs as the baby passes through the birth canal.

3. Risk Factors for Transmission:

Certain factors increase the risk of GBS transmission to newborns, including premature birth, prolonged rupture of membranes (water breaking more than 18 hours before delivery), fever during labor, and a previous baby with GBS disease.

4. GBS Disease in Newborns:

GBS infection in newborns can lead to serious complications, including sepsis (blood infection), pneumonia, and meningitis. However, not all babies exposed to GBS develop an infection.

5. Screening:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all pregnant women be screened for GBS between 36 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. This involves a swab of the vagina and rectum to test for the presence of bacteria.

6. Antibiotic Prophylaxis:

Pregnant women who test positive for GBS colonization are usually given intravenous antibiotics during labor to reduce the risk of transmitting the bacteria to their newborns.

7. Prevention Strategies:

In addition to antibiotic prophylaxis, other strategies to reduce the risk of GBS transmission include proper hand hygiene by healthcare providers, avoiding unnecessary interventions during childbirth (which can lead to prolonged rupture of membranes), and close monitoring of newborns for signs of infection.

8. Impact of GBS Infection:

GBS infection in newborns can have serious consequences, including long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities or even death. Therefore, pregnant women need to be aware of GBS and follow recommended screening and prevention measures.

9. Future Pregnancies:

Even if a woman had GBS in a previous pregnancy, it's important to be screened again in subsequent pregnancies, as GBS colonization can change over time.

Conclusion

Group B Streptococcus can pose significant risks to newborns if transmitted during childbirth. However, with routine screening, timely administration of antibiotics during labor, and effective communication between expectant mothers and healthcare providers, the risks associated with GBS can be minimized. Pregnant women should stay informed about GBS and work closely with their healthcare team to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery for themselves and their babies. So, if you are living in the UK and looking to get a Group B Strep test during pregnancy, then you must visit Concepto Diagnostics.

Also Read: What is strep B in pregnancy symptoms?