Streptococcus B in pregnancy: swab and therapy
Towards the end of pregnancy, you know well that one of the mandatory tests to do is to look for a possible group B streptococcus infection to avoid serious problems for the newborn.
The examination consists of a withdrawal with a vaginal-rectal swab at the hospital.
Streptococcus B (GBS) is the leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in infants at birth. Its presence in the genitals and/or gastrointestinal tract of pregnant women is a risk factor for children born with natural childbirth.
Who has this bacteria?
This bacterium is found in the vagina or intestines of about 30% of women and usually does not cause any particular symptoms. In pregnancy, however, this infection must necessarily be treated.
When is the swab done?
The swab must be done between the 35th week and the 37th week of pregnancy.
And if it’s positive?
If it tests positive, the mother is prescribed an oral antibiotic and then another control swab to check her recovery.
However, if the birth takes place before the checkup or when there is a high risk of infection, the mother is given intravenous antibiotic therapy during labor (at least 4 hours before the birth).
The effectiveness of this administration is approximately 95%. In these cases, after the birth, the baby is carefully monitored and if the antibiotic was administered 4 hours before the birth, there are no problems, otherwise the baby too will have to undergo antibiotic therapy.
What diseases does strep B cause?
The streptococcus B bacterium in a newborn baby can cause meningitis and septicemia , particularly serious conditions that can even lead to the death of the baby.
If it were to happen, children generally react well to treatment but in about 30% of cases they can then have long-term health problems .
This control and this therapy are therefore very important!
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.