Group B Strep Informed Choice

What is Group B Strep?

GBS is a type of bacteria that is a normal resident in 15%~40% of healthy women. It is a part of the microbiome of the large intestine and may at times transmit to the vagina. GBS can appear or disappear at intermittent times, regardless of treatment. Sometimes, however, GBS can over colonize and cause serious infection, known as GBS disease.

How do I know if I have GBS?

To determine if a woman Carrie’s GBS, the lower part of the vagina and/or rectum is swabbed with a special q-tip that is put into a solution. If the bacteria grows she is colonized, or positive. With this test, virtually 100% of GBS carriers are detected.

How can GBS affect my baby?

When an unborn baby comes into contact with mom’s GBS before or during birth, he may become colonized. 40%~70% of babies born to colonized mothers also become colonized. This really depends on how high the bacterial count of mom is. 1%~2% of these colonized babies develop GBS disease. GBS disease of the newborn can be very serious. It is the most common cause of sepsis, infection of the blood, and meningitis, infection of the fluid and lining surrounding the brain. Treatment for infected babies antibiotics. Your baby is at higher risk if the following things are/become an issue:

• Maternal history of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Maternal symptoms of urinary tract infection
• High maternal ph levels
• Preterm labor and birth
• Prolonged rupture of membranes
• Maternal fever over 104F, especially in labor
• Positive GBS status in pregnancy

What are the signs my baby is getting sick?

• Respiratory distress that gradually worsens
• Fever
• Irritability/inconsolable screaming
• Inability or refusal to nurse
• Stiffness or limpness
• Loss of consciousness
• Vomiting (not normal spit up)

What are my options?

• Testing
• Conservative management
• IV antibiotics in labor if positive
• Home remedies if positive and retesting

As parents it is important to do your research and consider all sides. Learn how to make good decisions based on risk factors that you are willing to live with, not decisions based on fears.

No decision is completely risk free so know your risks and make an informed choice with confidence.