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| September 11 | |
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Group B Streptococcus |
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We know that antibiotics, given during labor, can prevent this infection caused by group B streptococcus, yet a recent CDC report shows that antibiotics were given to only 21% of the more than 300 women studied who had infants with the disease. Many people carry the group B streptococcus in their gut, but few people actually become sick from it. Women who have the bacteria in their birth canal or rectum prior to delivery can pass it on to their newborns, who are more vulnerable to serious problems, like meningitis, pneumonia, or blood infection. In pregnant women, it can cause bladder infections, womb infections, and premature labor and stillbirth. Group B streptococcus can also cause serious illness in elderly and in people with chronic diseases. If you’re pregnant, your doctor may recommend IV antibiotics during labor and delivery if a culture taken at about 35 weeks of pregnancy is positive or if you have risk factors that increase your chance of passing group B strep on to the baby. These risk factors are preterm labor, premature rupture of the membranes, having labor for longer than 18 hours after the membranes are ruptured, or fever during labor. In general, all women who’ve had a baby with group B strep infection should be treated during labor and delivery as well as anyone who has had a urinary tract infection during pregnancy that was caused by group B strep. |
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In the study, many women weren’t treated for Group B streptococcus (GBS). What should pregnant women do to make sure they are treated? Talk with your doctor. Ask specifically what approach they take to prevent GBS. It’s a good opportunity to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment, so both of you are clear on what the plan will be if needed. | |
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RESOURCES:
Early-Onset Group B Streptococcal Disease—United States, 1998-1999
Group B Strep Infection
Group B Streptococcal Disease |
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