Fortunately, there are many ways to help protect babies from group B strep! Group B streptococcus (GBS), also known as group B strep, Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep B, or Beta Strep, is a type of bacteria that is naturally found in the digestive and lower reproductive tracts of both men and women.
About 1 in 4 pregnant individuals carry group B strep. Anyone can carry GBS. Carrying GBS or testing GBS+ does not mean you are infected, but it can potentially cause an infection in your baby. Only a few babies who are exposed to GBS become infected, but GBS can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth and infection in newborn babies possibly resulting in lifelong health challenges or even death.
Good news! Most GBS infections that develop at birth can be prevented if pregnant individuals who have tested positive receive at least 4 hours of IV antibiotics just prior to delivery.
Although most people do not have any symptoms, GBS can cause vaginal burning, vaginal irritation and unusual discharge which may be mistaken for a yeast infection and treated incorrectly. If you have vaginitis symptoms, see your healthcare provider promptly for an exam and possible GBS testing.
GBS can also cause bladder infections, with or without symptoms. Your provider should do a urine culture for GBS and other types of bacteria (this is not the standard prenatal urine “dipstick” check) at the first prenatal visit. GBS in your urine means that you are likely heavily colonized vaginally which puts your baby at greater risk.(2) If your urine tests positive, your provider should consider you to be GBS positive (GBS+) for this pregnancy so that you receive IV antibiotics for GBS when labor starts or your water breaks.
It is now the standard of care in many countries to be routinely tested for GBS between 36 and 37 weeks of each pregnancy unless a urine culture is positive in the current pregnancy or a previous baby was infected by GBS. Testing is done by taking a swab of both your vagina and rectum. Your test result should be available in 2–3 days. Be aware that you may test negative for GBS (GBS-), but be GBS+ later and vice versa as GBS colonization can change. Ask your provider about being tested again if GBS- in a test done before 36 weeks. Knowing your GBS status can help you and your healthcare team take steps to help protect your baby!
For more information check Group B Strep International.