How did I get Group B Strep? Test, treatment, symptoms...
Group B streptococcus is one of the many organisms that live in the body.It usually does not cause a serious illness.The group A streptococcus that causes "strep throat" is different from the GBS.
In the vagina and rectum, it is found most often.This means that a pregnant woman can give birth to a fetus.Out of 100 babies, this happens to 1 or 2 when the mother doesn't get antibiotics during labor.The chances of a newborn getting sick are lower when the mother gets treatment.
Even though it is rare for a baby to get the disease, it can be serious.Babies who get the disease may have early-onset disease.
A baby can get sick within 12 to 48 hours after birth or up to the first 7 days.Severe problems can be caused by early-onset disease.
A baby gets sick between a week and a few months after birth with late-onset disease.The disease can be caused by contact with the mother after delivery.It can come from other sources, such as contact with other people with the same disease.
Meningitis can be caused by late-onset disease.The signs and symptoms of Meningitis can be hard to spot in newborns.If your baby has any signs or symptoms of disease, contact the health care professional right away.
As part of routine prenatal care, pregnant women are screened for GBS.The test is called a culture.Between 36 and 38 weeks of pregnancy is when it is done.A sample from the vagina and rectum is taken in this test.
Once labor starts, most women will receive antibiotics through an IV line if the results show that GBS is present.This is done to protect the fetus.During labor is the best time for treatment.Early-onset disease in newborns can be prevented with the use of penicillin.Treatment with antibiotics during labor does not prevent late-onset disease in a baby.
Inform your health care professional if you have an allergy to penicillin.You may be able to determine the severity of your allergies with a skin test.Other antibiotics can be used if needed.
In some cases, women are automatically given antibiotics during labor.Antibiotics can be given without testing.
If labor hasn't started and the amniotic sac has not broken, women who have a C-section do not need to be given antibiotics.There is a chance that labor may happen before a baby is born.The baby may need to be monitored after birth if the test result is positive.
Cesarean birth is the birth of a fetus from the uterus.
Group B Streptococcus is a type ofbacteria that can be passed to the fetus at the time of delivery.There can be serious infections in newborn babies.Antibiotics are given to women who give birth to a baby.
Sepsis is a condition in which infectious toxins are in the blood.It can be life threatening.Rapid heart rate, breathing difficulty, and mental confusion are some of the symptoms.
Sexually Transmitted Infections are infections that are spread by sexual contact.Human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV, is the cause of AIDS.
Vagina is a tube-like structure surrounded by muscles.The vagina travels from the uterus to the outside of the body.
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This information is intended for the public.Current information and opinions about women's health are offered.It isn't intended to be a statement of the standard of care.It doesn't give an explanation of the proper treatments or methods of care.It isn't a substitute for the advice of a doctor.Read ACOG's full statement.