Group B Strep and Pregnancy

If you are pregnant you definitely want to know what Group B Strep or Beta Strep is. This bacteria commonly lives in the vaginal or rectal area but can also go into the placenta, urinary tract, and the uterus. When a baby is born to a untreated mother who is positive for Beta Strep it is possible for the bacteria to pass to the baby and cause infection. A late infection could lead to meningitis. Late infection could occur 3-4weeks after giving birth. A babys entire body could be affected by this harmful bacteria. Early infections are often subtle. The baby may be lethargic, have poor appetite, or even problems keeping temperature normal. For this reason most hospitals keep babys born to Strep B moms an extra day. Expect treatment whether you have a cesarean or vaginal birth.

My purpose for this article is education. I get asked often by new moms about Beta Strep. Do not be ashamed if you test positive. This is not a sexually transmitted disease that you got or can pass to your husband. Many confuse Group B Strep with Group A Strep. Group A Strep can lead to Strep Throat. The only reason for wanting to know if you have Group B Strep is for a healthy baby.

I had my first baby eleven years ago. That is the first time I heard of Beta Strep. I ran across it on the internet and asked about it at my first prenatal visit. The doctor I saw tested all moms for this bacteria. When you arrive at the hospital to deliver it is important that you tell them you are Beta Positive or Group B Strep positive so they can immediately make plans to administer antibiotics to mom. The OB/GYN has more than likely told the delivery nurses and ordered antibiotics but it is safer to make sure because you want to make sure you get them. Moms can also expect a extra day in the hospital for monitoring. We try to give antibiotics within two hours of delivery. If you are unsure if your doctor checked you for Group B Strep then ask. More than likely he has and just did not mention it. If you have not been checked then let your doctor know that you want that test done. The bacteria can come and go so most testing is done toward the end of pregnancy.

What happens if you deliver at home or before you have a chance to receive your antibiotics? Mom and baby may both get antibiotics after delivery. What happens when a mother delivers with no prenatal care? They are treated as if they have Group B Strep. Yes it does happen. There are moms out there who do not seek prenatal care. They may be teens who have been hiding their pregnancy, or just in denial.

Only 98-99% of untreated Group B Strep moms pass the bacteria to their babys. That is about 2-3 out of every 200 births. That is too many when infection is avoidable. Make plans now to have a healthy visit and ask your OB/GYN about testing.