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Doctors test for group B strep during pregnancy to prevent passing the bacteria to the baby during labor, which can cause serious health complications. Antibiotics can be given during labor to prevent infection. Many women carry the bacteria without symptoms and testing is recommended for a safe delivery.
Doctors test for group B strep bacteria during pregnancy to see if you need to take special precautions during labor and delivery. There is a risk that a mother in labor could pass the bacteria on to her baby, potentially causing serious health complications. By identifying group B strep carriers early, doctors can intervene before the baby becomes infected by giving antibiotics during labor.
Many women naturally carry group B strep bacteria as part of their normal vaginal and/or anal flora. These bacteria cause no symptoms in many carriers unless they develop immune compromises and the bacteria are given an opportunity to take over. In children, who lack many immune protections, group B strep infection can cause serious medical problems including meningitis, breathing difficulties and cardiovascular instability. Not all babies born to mothers who carry group B strep during pregnancy become infected, but the risks make preventative treatment advisable to keep the baby safe.
The doctor checks a pregnant woman for group B strep during the end of the third trimester, usually between 35 and 37 weeks. A swab will be taken from the vagina and another from the anus to check for bacteria. If they are, there is no need to make any major changes to your labor and delivery plan, except for adding intravenous antibiotics during labor. Medications prevent infection. Patients with a previous history of antibiotic reactions should be sure to discuss them so that the doctor can prescribe an appropriate medication.
Women who have group B strep while pregnant can also take antibiotics during pregnancy, although the most critical period is during labor and delivery. Giving your baby medication after birth or when symptoms develop may be too late and is not recommended. Women who know they are a carrier of group B strep due to previous infections or positive test results can advise their obstetricians. Your doctor will determine if you need another test for group B strep in your pregnancy.
Having group B strep while pregnant is not a sign of malfeasance on the mother’s part. Although the bacteria colonize the genital area, this is not a sexually transmitted infection and many women carry strep without being aware of it. Doctors recommend testing in the interest of making labor and delivery as safe as possible. This test reduces neonatal morbidity and mortality and is very simple to perform.
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