Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacteria found in the vagina, rectum and urinary bladder of women. This infection is usually not serious in women and readily treated with antibiotics. However, when it occurs in pregnant women, it becomes a problem. This is because the pregnant woman can pass the Group B streptococcus  to her baby during delivery and cause serious infection in the baby.

What screening test is available for Group B streptococcus infection ?

It has been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that all pregnant women be routinely screened for vaginal strep B. This screening is usually done between 35 to 37 weeks. The test involves swabbing both the vagina and rectum . The sample is then taken to the lab to check for the presence of the bacteria. Test results are usually available between 24 to 48 hours.

How does someone get infected with Group B Strep  bacteria ?

This bacteria is part of the normal flora of the vagina, rectum and intestines. It is not a sexually transmitted bacteria and is not spread through food or water. You may carry the bacteria in your body for a short time or it may always be present in your body.

I am pregnant and tested positive for  Group B Strep infection. What next ?

This means you are a carrier of the bacteria. However it does not mean your baby will become ill. A small percentage of babies born to mothers positive for GBS and not treated with antibiotics will develop signs of the infection.

However your chances of giving birth to a baby with GBS increases if

• you have fever during labor
• baby is born premature
• mother has  an infection of the placental tissues and amniotic fluid (chorioamnionitis)
• you had a previous baby with GBS
• you have a urinary tract infection  as a result of GBS infection during pregnancy

How can I protect my baby from  Group B Strep Infection ?

 
If you are at high risk or test positive for Group B Strep , your doctor will recommend antibiotics through IV during delivery. Taking the antibiotics decrease your baby’s  chances of developing GBS infection.

Giving the antibiotics before labor may not be effective . This is because the bacteria lives in the vagina and it is likely that they will come back after the antibiotics.

Some women may test positive at one time and negative at other times. This is why it is important for all pregnant women to be test between 35 to 37  weeks gestation for EVERY pregnancy.

What is the effect of  Group B Strep Infection on my newborn ?

Newborns may develop early or late onset of GBS infection.

Signs of early-onset of GBS occur within hours of delivery and include the following :

• breathing problems
• heart and blood pressure instability
• gastrointestinal and kidney problem
• complications such as sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia

 
Babies with early onset are treated with antibiotics through IV.

Signs of late-onset GBS occur within a week or few months after delivery . The most common symptoms of this type is meningitis. Late onset GBS is not as common .

Do you need treatment for Group B Strep Infection if you are going to have a cesarean section ?

If you tested positive for GBS, you may not be treated during delivery  if labor has not begun or your membrane has not raptured. However,  if your water is broken or labor has begun, most physicians will recommend treatment even if you are having a c- section.

NOTE
 
Group B strep is not related to strep throat.