If you’re pregnant, you’ve probably heard of Group B strep (or GBS). It’s a type of bacteria that can cause serious infection in new-borns.
The good news is that there’s a simple test that can tell if you have GBS. If you do, you can get treatment before you go into labour, which can help protect your baby.
Why is this common bacteria (GBS) so dangerous for your newborn
Group B strep is a type of bacteria that can live in your intestines or genital area. It’s usually harmless, but it can cause serious infection in newborns.
Every year, about 1 in every 2,000 babies in the United States gets sick from GBS.
Babies can get sick if they’re exposed to GBS during pregnancy or delivery. They can also get it from you if you have GBS and you’re breastfeeding.
Symptoms of GBS infection in newborns include fever, trouble breathing, and abdominal pain.
Fortunately, there’s a simple test that can tell if you have GBS. It’s called the Group B strep test, and it’s usually done around 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy.
To do the test, your healthcare provider will swab your vagina and rectum. Then they’ll send the swabs to a lab to see if you have GBS.
If the test is positive, it means you have GBS. But don’t worry – there’s a treatment that can help protect your baby. You’ll be given antibiotics during labor. This will help protect your baby from getting sick.
It’s important to know that even if you’re positive for GBS, most babies will be fine. In fact, only about 1 in 200 babies who are exposed to GBS will get sick from it.
So if you’re pregnant, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the Group B strep test. It’s a simple test that can help protect your baby from a serious infection.
What does it mean to be strep Group B positive?
In pregnant women, GBS can cause infection of the urinary tract, placenta, womb, and amniotic fluid. Around 1/3 of pregnant women carry Group B Streptococcus bacteria in their vaginas. While this bacteria is usually harmless to the mom, it can be very dangerous to the baby during delivery. If the baby is exposed to the bacteria, he or she could develop a serious infection, called early-onset Group B strep disease. This disease can cause seizures, pneumonia, and meningitis in the baby and can be deadly. While strep B is most commonly found in the vagina and rectum, it can also be present in the throats of pregnant women.
If you’re strep B positive, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Thousands of women are in the same situation, and many of them go on to have healthy babies. Just remember to listen to your doctor’s advice and take all the necessary precautions. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can give your baby the best possible start in life. You’re a badass mom who’s ready to take on whatever comes your way.
Would you like to know more about parenting? Go to our next article!
Would you like to know more about your pregnancy? Visit our Mumgazine YouTube channel!