Group B Streptococcus Bacteria (GBS) IN Pregnancy

Group B Streptococcus Bacteria (GBS) IN Pregnancy

Group B streptococcus is one of many types of bacteria that naturally live in our bodies and usually do not cause any harm.

A baby is often born healthy and uninfected if the mother is a carrier of the bacteria.

What is Group B Streptococcus Bacteria (GBS)?

It is a common bacterium found in the vagina and rectum in 2-4 out of every 10 women.

It is not transmitted through sexual contact.

Most infected women do not show any symptoms.

It can affect babies during childbirth and can cause a serious infection in the newborn.

How is it detected?

It is detected during pregnancy through a vaginal or rectal swab or urine test during routine checkups.

What are its effects on the child?

Group B streptococcal infections commonly affect newborns and can lead to bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and meningitis, and may be fatal.

With prompt treatment, most children recover completely.

The risk of infection increases in the following cases:

- Delivery before 37 weeks

- A previous child affected by group B streptococcal infection

- Fever during labor

- Rupture of membranes more than 24 hours before delivery

- A positive urine test result during this pregnancy

When do we start antibiotics (penicillin)?

If it's detected through a vaginal or rectal exam, we don't need to take antibiotics until labor begins; then it's given intravenously. If it's detected through a urine test, an antibiotic is given immediately upon diagnosis, in addition to the intravenous antibiotic at the start of labor.

- If the amniotic fluid ruptures before week 37 but labor doesn't begin, antibiotics may be given.

 - If a cesarean section is planned, antibiotics are not necessary unless labor starts.

- If the mother has had a previous child with group B streptococcal infection, antibiotics should be given at the onset of labor in this pregnancy.

- The baby benefits if the antibiotics are taken at least 4 hours before delivery.

What symptoms might a child infected with this bacteria experience?

- Snoring and noisy breathing

- Excessive drowsiness

- Unresponsiveness

- Incessant crying

- Poor feeding

- Fever

- Rapid or slow breathing rate

- Low blood sugar

- Low blood pressure

Why aren't all pregnant women tested for these bacteria?

Because there is no completely accurate test, and a negative result doesn't necessarily mean the person is not infected.

Most women who carry these bacteria give birth to healthy babies, and giving antibiotics to all pregnant women who carry it would mean a large number of women undergoing unnecessary treatment.

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist