Pregnancy brings with it a plethora of concerns and worries. From morning sickness to gestational diabetes, the list goes on and on. One concern that may not be at the top of every expecting parent's mind is Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection. Fear not, as we're here to give you all the scoop on this potentially dangerous infection.
What is GBS?
GBS is a type of bacteria that can be found in approximately 25% of healthy adult women. While it doesn't typically cause any problems in adults, it can pose a serious threat to newborn infants if passed along during childbirth.
How does GBS affect pregnancy?
A pregnant woman who has contracted GBS will likely have no symptoms or complications themselves; however, they can pass the bacteria onto their baby during delivery.
How do I know if I have GBS?
The only way for an expecting parent to know if they carry GBS is through testing from their healthcare provider. Typical screening occurs between weeks 35-37 of pregnancy via either vaginal or rectal swabbing. If tested positive for carrying the bacteria, your healthcare provider will develop a plan for preventing transmission during labor and delivery.
Can GBS harm my baby?
Yes! This infection can lead to serious health problems in your newborn such as sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis ,and even death(Scary right?). It's essential always to stay informed about these types of things because having knowledge leads power!
Factors That Increase Your Risk Of Delivering A Baby With An Early-onset Group B Strep Infection
Several factors increase your chance of being infected with group B strep:
Preterm Labor
Women who go into labour before 37 weeks are at increased risk due mainly inflammation caused by infections/
Urinary Tract Infections
Women who test positive for Group B Strep during their pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing Urinary Tract Infections, which increases the chance that the bacteria from the GBS goes into your bloodstream and cause infections fetus.
How can I protect my baby?
If you test positive for carrying GBS or have had previously infected newborns, your healthcare provider will likely recommend antibiotics during labor. This does not completely eliminate the risks but reduces it significantly.
Are there any side effects to antibiotics during labor?
Mothers receiving IV antibiotics could experience diarrhea as a side effect, however one's health should always take top priority in this situation! Any medical intervention taken with informed consent under doctor observation leads towards positive outcomes!
Is there anything else I need to know about GBS infection during pregnancy?
Yes!A few additional precautions you can take includes:
- Always practice good hygiene- Wash hands frequently using soap
- Eat well-balanced diets filled with healthy foods
- Rest when necessary - sleep plays a major role in maintaining one’s immune system.
- Attend all prenatal appointments scheduled by healthcare providers
- Refrain from smoking or secondhand smoke
6.Closely monitoring newborn babies(0-6weeks), informing doctors immediately if signs appear such as jaundice and/or fever
Keep these things in mind and stay on track with prenatal care; every little effort helps keep both mother & child healthy happy throughout their journey together.
GBS or Group B Streptococcus is something that expecting parents must be aware of because if passed onto newborn infants affected by serious infections, including pneumonia/ sepsis/meningitis ,and even death..The potential dangers associated make prevention crucial through consistent testing efforts between weeks 35-37 of pregnancy via either vaginal or rectal swabbing., identifying carries early-onset makes treatment easy.If tested Positive for carrying the bacteria, Healthcare providers will develop a plan for preventing transmission during labor and delivery. And although receiving antibiotics during labor may leads to diarrhea as its side effect, overall it responsible on the parents' part to attend all prenatal appointments & maintain proper hygiene( wash hands frequently using soap), avoid smoking or secondhand smoke, closely monitor newborn babies (0-6weeks), Eact well-balanced diets filled with healthy food ,and resting when necessary stay health maintaining one’s immune system ultimately reduces risks GBS poses while Pregnant!