GBS in pregnancy refers to Group B streptococcus, a bacterium that can cause serious infections.
Understanding Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that, while often harmless in adults, can pose significant risks to pregnant individuals and their newborns. According to available information, GBS is one of many types of streptococcal bacteria, sometimes called "strep." It's especially concerning because it can cause serious infections in pregnant people, newborn babies, and infants less than age three months (16-Mar-2023).
Risks Associated with GBS in Pregnancy
- For the Pregnant Person: While GBS often doesn't cause symptoms in pregnant individuals, it can sometimes lead to infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), infections of the amniotic fluid and uterus, and rarely, severe invasive infections.
- For the Newborn: The most significant risk is to the newborn. Babies can contract GBS during delivery as they pass through the birth canal. This can result in early-onset GBS disease, typically appearing in the first week of life, leading to conditions like sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. Late-onset GBS disease can occur up to three months of age.
Screening and Prevention
- Screening: Pregnant individuals are typically screened for GBS in the late stages of pregnancy (around 35-37 weeks). This involves taking a swab of the vagina and rectum.
- Treatment: If a pregnant person tests positive for GBS, they are usually given intravenous antibiotics during labor to help prevent transmission to the baby.
Management of GBS-Positive Mothers During Labor
The primary strategy for preventing early-onset GBS disease in newborns is to administer intravenous antibiotics to GBS-positive mothers during labor. The antibiotics help to reduce the bacterial load in the birth canal, thereby lowering the risk of transmission to the baby during delivery.
