Group B Strep (GBS) in Pregnancy
Group B Streptococcus is a type of bacteria that normally lives in our bodies. 10-35% of the time GBS is found in the vagina or rectum of pregnant women. It is recommended that all pregnant women be screened for GBS with a swab between 35-37 weeks gestation. This will allow enough time for the results to be known before labour starts and increases the chances that the results of the swab will be the same as they would be in labour.
Why do we care about GBS?
The baby may come in contact with GBS bacteria during labour, either when the baby passes through the birth canal or is the GBS bacteria travel upwards from the mother’s vagina into the uterus. The baby could develop early onset infection and may end up with pneumonia, meningitis, and septicaemia. Unfortunately, 5-20% of all babies who develop a GBS infection do not survive.
Can GBS infection be prevented?
Currently there is research being done to examine the effectiveness of immunotherapy in reducing the colonization of the GBS bacteria in pregnant women. The effectiveness has not been clinically proven, however anecdotally, this has been used to successfully reduce GBS colonization.
GBS prevention protocol 7-10 days before testing is scheduled:
