Beta strep is a bacteria that can affect pregnant women and cause serious health risks to the unborn child if left untreated. It can be found in the rectum, bladder, vagina, and mouth and can lead to infections of the bladder, kidneys or uterus. Pregnant women are tested for it and treated with antibiotics to prevent spread to the baby. If left untreated, it can cause health complications for the woman and long-term health effects for the baby, including learning disabilities, deafness, blindness, and even death.
Beta strep, also known as group B strep, is a type of bacteria that often affects pregnant women but can affect anyone. It is related to the bacteria that cause sore throats. Beta step bacteria can, on rare occasions, cause a mild infection that can usually be easily treated with medication. If the infection is not treated effectively during pregnancy, it can be passed on to the unborn child and cause serious health risks, as well as death.
The most common areas of the body where beta strep forms are the rectum, bladder, vagina, and mouth. Adults with the bacteria can usually remain healthy and have no symptoms. If the bacteria multiply, they can lead to infections of the bladder, kidneys or uterus.
Because this type of strep generally doesn’t cause any symptoms, pregnant women are typically tested for it so it can be treated to prevent spread to the unborn baby. A doctor typically takes a sample of cells from the vagina or rectum and examines it for signs of bacteria. If the bacteria is present, a doctor usually prescribes antibiotics to get rid of it before it turns into an infection. An untreated infection can cause health complications for the woman, such as intense fever or pain when urinating.
Even if the infection is treated with antibiotics before delivery, the bacteria can still grow back enough to infect the baby during labor. Women who have tested positive for beta strep will typically receive a continuous flow of antibiotics directly into their veins throughout the labor process. This can help further reduce the chances of your child coming into contact with any remaining bacteria.
A baby who is born with beta strep passed on from his or her mother may still be born healthy with no symptoms. If the bacteria end up causing an infection in your baby, it can have both short-term and long-term health effects. It can cause a lung or blood infection or, in severe cases, spread to the brain. A strep infection that affects the brain is more likely to cause more serious developmental problems, such as learning disabilities, as well as the possibility of deafness or blindness. The infection can be fatal in a child if it is not treated immediately with antibiotics.
Children who have been infected with the bacteria may show few symptoms, which may not be easily detected. They may appear lethargic or moody. A baby with the infection may refuse breast or formula milk, or may end up vomiting when eating. He or she may also have a high fever.
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