Awareness of a Group B Strep Infection During Pregnancy
About the Group B Strep (page 3 of 5)
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How can GBS disease in newborns and mothers be prevented?
Giving antibiotics (such as penicillin) through a vein during labor and delivery to women who have a positive GBS test or who have certain risk factors effectively prevents most GBS infections in women and their newborns. For best protection, the mother should receive intravenous antibiotics at least 4 to 6 hours before delivery. However, the earlier the administration of antibiotics the better once a risk factor has been identified. For example, a woman who has had a previous GBS baby should have I/V antibiotics started at the time of hospital admission, whether labor takes 14 hours or 6 hours. If a woman's labor begins or her membranes rupture before 37 weeks of pregnancy (before a culture is collected) she should be offered I/V antibiotics. Since antibiotics can cause side-effects, which are usually mild but can be severe, their use should be limited to those women who have one or more of the listed risk factors - the decision to take antibiotics during labor should balance risks and benefits. If you are allergic to penicillin, consult your doctor to learn about other effective antibiotics. Cesarean sections are not likely to prevent GBS disease. Unfortunately, no prevention plan is 100% effective. Some women with GBS escape detection because they do not have risk factors. All women should be tested for GBS with each pregnancy to ensure that the very best available protection is provided for their babies. |
Is There a Vaccine for GBS?
Researchers are actively working to develop a GBS vaccine. Use of the vaccine in adult women will stimulate the immune system to make protective proteins, called antibodies, which could cross the placenta later in pregnancy and protect the baby. Although widespread use of a vaccine is still years away, vaccination will one day protect babies and others from this bacterial infection.
Should Women Who Have Had a Previous GBS Positive Baby Have More Children?
Women who have had problems due to GBS in the past should inform their prenatal care provider and pediatrician. GBS infections can be prevented and managed in subsequent pregnancies so that babies are protected and born healthy and free of GBS. Breastfeeding does not pass GBS from a mother to her baby; women colonized with GBS may breastfeed without concern about harming their newborns. As always, keep hands and nipple area clean. |
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About the Group B Strep (page 3 of 5) About the Group B Strep (page 5 of 5) |
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