Things you need to know about GBS infection (Group B Strep) during pregnancy!

If you're a mom-to-be, you've probably been talking to your doctor a lot these days. You've probably heard the term ' Group B Strep' or GBS . This may be new to you. So, today we're going to talk about GBS, the effects it can have on you and your baby, and the solutions to it in a simple, easy-to-understand way. There's no need to panic, the most important thing is to be aware.

What is GBS? Why is it important for pregnant mothers?

Simply put, GBS (Group B Strep) is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Group B Streptococcus . This bacteria is usually found in your vagina or rectal area. Don't be surprised, about 25% of pregnant women, or about one in four, may have this GBS bacteria in their bodies. But many people don't even know they have it, because most of the time it doesn't show any symptoms .

So, if you have GBS, there is a chance that this bacteria can be passed from you to your baby during a vaginal delivery. Newborns, the elderly, or those with weakened or underdeveloped immune systems are more likely to develop complications from GBS.

But remember this: Not all babies who are infected with GBS will get sick. However, a very small percentage of babies can develop serious, sometimes life-threatening infections from this bacteria . That's why doctors test you for GBS as part of your routine prenatal care during pregnancy. If it's confirmed that you have GBS, your doctor will give you antibiotics.

How does GBS enter the body?

GBS is a type of bacteria that naturally lives in our bodies, such as our intestines, genitals, and urinary tracts. It is not spread from person to person or from sharing food or drink with an infected person. Experts are not sure exactly why this bacteria spreads like this. But they do know that it can be harmful to babies and people with weakened immune systems .

When is GBS tested?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine screening for GBS during every pregnancy. You are usually screened for this between 36 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.The GBS test is very simple. The doctor takes a swab from your vagina or rectum and sends it to a lab for testing.

Does Group B Strep affect the baby in the womb?

Here's what you need to understand. The GBS bacteria do not affect the baby inside your uterus. However, the baby can be infected with GBS during labor and delivery . That's why antibiotics are given to prevent GBS. This treatment greatly reduces the risk of passing GBS from you to your baby.

How does a baby get GBS? What are the types?

There are two main ways that babies can become infected with GBS:

• Early-onset infection : The majority of babies (about 75%) who develop GBS are infected within the first week of life . GBS infection usually becomes apparent within a few hours of birth. Although premature babies are at higher risk of infection, most babies who develop GBS are born full-term.
• Late-onset infection: A baby can get GBS infection from a week after birth to three months. This is less common and is less likely to be life-threatening for a baby than an early-onset infection.

How common is GBS?

Fortunately, the incidence of this infection has decreased significantly because of GBS screening during pregnancy. According to the CDC, about 930 babies in the United States develop early-onset GBS infection and about 1,050 later-onset GBS infection each year. About 4% of babies who develop GBS die . That's why screening and treatment are so important.

What are the symptoms of GBS?

Many adults with GBS do not show any symptoms . Older people and those with certain medical conditions may rarely develop symptoms. These include:

• Fever, chills, and extreme fatigue.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain .
• Muscle stiffness.

However, the symptoms of GBS infection in newborns are different:

• Fever.
• Difficulty drinking milk.
• Constant restlessness and crying (Irritability).
• Difficulty breathing.
• Lack of energy.

These symptoms can quickly become severe in newborns because their immune systems are weak. GBS infection can cause serious problems for the baby, such as sepsis (a condition similar to blood poisoning), pneumonia, and meningitis (a condition similar to brain inflammation).

Will GBS be transmitted to my partner or other people in the household?

No. There is no risk that other people in your household, including your other children, will get sick from you if they catch GBS. This is not how it spreads.

Will I be tested for GBS?

Yes, absolutely. Your doctor will test you for GBS in the latter part of your pregnancy, between 36 and 37 weeks .

Your obstetrician will use a cotton swab to take a sample of cells from your vagina and rectum. This test is painless and takes less than a minute . The sample is then sent to a lab to be tested for GBS. Results are usually available within 48 hours. A positive test result means you are a carrier of GBS. But it does not mean that you or your baby will definitely get sick .

If you are using the services of a midwife, you may be given instructions on how to do this test at home and asked to send the sample to the laboratory.

Is GBS a sexually transmitted disease (STI)?

No, GBS is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) . The bacteria that causes GBS live naturally in your vagina or rectum. It doesn't cause any symptoms in most people. So it's not something you did wrong.

What happens if you test positive for GBS during pregnancy?

Imagine that you have tested positive for GBS. What do you do now? Don't panic. Doctors will give you intravenous (IV) antibiotics during labor and delivery to prevent your baby from getting GBS. The most common antibiotics used to treat GBS are penicillin or ampicillin .

Giving you antibiotics at this time can help prevent you from spreading GBS to your newborn baby. Treating GBS before delivery is not very effective. These antibiotics work best if given at least four hours before delivery . It is said that this type of treatment can prevent 90% of infections.

Imagine, Nimali had a GBS test done at her 36th week. The report came back 'positive' two days later. Nimali was a little scared. 'Oh, will something happen to my baby?' she thought. But the doctor said, 'Nimali, don't worry. Many mothers have this. We give intravenous medicine during labor, so the baby won't have any problems.' That's how it is.

There is one special case regarding the timing of treatment: If GBS infection is detected in the urine, then treatment with oral antibiotics is started as soon as GBS is detected, regardless of the stage of pregnancy. However, intravenous (IV) antibiotics should also be given during labor .

Also, any pregnant woman who has previously given birth to a baby infected with GBS, or who has developed a urinary tract infection (UTI) due to GBS during this pregnancy, will also be treated during delivery.

How is GBS treated in newborns?

Sometimes, even after testing and antibiotics during delivery, very rarely, some babies can get GBS . If this happens, doctors may test a blood sample or spinal fluid sample to see if your baby has GBS. If your baby has GBS, he or she will also be treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics .

How to reduce the risk of GBS?

Anyone can get GBS. But some people are at higher risk, either because of certain medical conditions or because of their age. The following factors may increase your risk of having a baby with GBS:

• You are GBS positive.
• You develop a fever during labor.
• More than 18 hours pass between your water breaking and the birth of your baby.
• You have medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus , heart disease , or cancer .

Getting tested for GBS and (if you test positive) taking antibiotics is the best way to protect your baby from infection.

What long-term problems can GBS cause in newborn babies?

Babies infected with GBS can develop conditions such as meningitis , pneumonia , or sepsis . These conditions can be life-threatening. However, most babies do not have any long-term problems . However, about 25% of babies who develop meningitis due to GBS can develop long-term problems such as cerebral palsy , hearing problems , learning disabilities , or seizures . This is why preventing GBS and treating it early are so important.

Will I be tested for GBS again?

No. Once you test positive for GBS, you are considered positive for the rest of your pregnancy . You will not be tested again.

Do I need treatment for GBS if I have a C-section?

Typically, if you are having a planned cesarean section (C-section) , you will not need antibiotics for GBS. This is because, with a C-section, the baby is not delivered through the vagina, so there is less chance of passing GBS to the baby.

However, you may be tested for GBS because labor could start before your scheduled C-section. If your water breaks and you are GBS positive, your baby is at risk of contracting the disease. Antibiotics may be given at that time.

If I am GBS positive, when should I see a doctor?

In some cases, GBS can cause infection during pregnancy. If you have symptoms such as fever, pain, and increased heart rate, tell your doctor right away. This can lead to preterm labor .

GBS can also cause a urinary tract infection (UTI) , which will need to be treated with oral antibiotics.

If you have GBS, talk to your doctor about what to expect during labor and delivery.

Finally, the most important thing to keep in mind (Take-Home Message)

If your doctor tells you that you are GBS positive during pregnancy , don't be afraid or panic . This is caused by a bacteria that is naturally present in your body, and is not due to anything you did wrong.

The chances of passing GBS from you to your baby are actually very low , especially if you take antibiotics during delivery.

Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have about GBS. Remember, in most cases, even if you are GBS positive, there will be no problems and your baby will be born healthy . The most important thing is to be informed and follow your doctor's advice.