Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Group B Strep Screening causes serious infections in pregnant women. This type of bacteria is often found in the following areas:
- Mouth
- Throat
- Lower intestinal tract
- Vagina
Also, GBS can be very harmful to a newborn baby who is born vaginally and doesn’t yet have a strong immune system. Furthermore, you can be screened for GBS with a swab taken from your vagina and rectum at 36 to 37 weeks. The main thing to know is that if you test positive for GBS, you will receive antibiotics. It is recommended to get antibiotics for at least 4 hours before delivery. This simple step is very helpful in preventing the spread of GBS to the baby.
The main thing is that giving antibiotics during labor helps to prevent early-onset GBS disease only. The cause of the late-onset disease is not known; no method has yet been found to prevent it.
Babies who get GBS disease are treated with antibiotics; they also may need other treatments like breathing help and IV fluids.
It is true that antibiotics are not necessary if you are having a planned C-section; labor has not begun and the amniotic sac is intact. Though, testing is still important; labor can begin naturally before the scheduled C-section.
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.