Congratulations! You're pregnant and navigating the exciting journey of bringing a new life into the world. But amidst all the excitement, there are practicalities to consider. One such consideration is group B strep (GBS), which sounds like an underground rap crew but is actually a type of bacteria that can cause problems during pregnancy.
Don't worry; we're here to guide you through everything you need to know about GBS testing during pregnancy.
What is Group B Streptococcus?
Group B Streptococcus, or GBS, is a type of beta-hemolytic bacteria that lives in 10-30% of healthy adults' intestine and vagina without posing any issue. In pregnant women, however—particularly those whose babies come pre-term—the presence of GBS can lead to serious complications for both mother and child.
Fortunately, testing positive for GBS doesn't necessarily mean harm will come to your baby; with proper care from medical professionals, many mothers give birth safely and happily despite their positive diagnosis.
How Do I Get Tested for Group B Strep?
Testing for GBS is simple enough: around 36 weeks into your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will provide swabs at the lower end during routine prenatal visitation as part of planning/preparation/steps towards becoming parents. These swabs capture samples from both the vagina and rectum—which sounds uncomfortable but isn't nearly as bad as it seems—and then sent off later on analysis by laboratories who use advanced techniques (culture test) and genetic methods(PCR).
Poking Around Down There
It's normal if you feel awkward or embarrassed about genital examinations—even when they exist purely within professional contexts—but try not to let shame hinder necessary medical screening. Odds are high that anyone performing these tests has done so hundreds upon thousands upon millions upon billions upon gazibillions of other times, and likely done so routinely with as much passion as your grandma throws out empty eggshells into the garbage.
The Results Are In: Now What?
Okay! Your culture report has emerged from testing’s black box. If you've tested positive for GBS on soft agar plates or PCR results are reactive—congratulations, you've still got some steps to take care of before baby-having time arrives!
The next step hinges specifically on whether you have identified which type strains of GBS exist in your body :
1)Penicillin-Resistant Streptococcus agalactiae (GBSPR)
2) Penicillin-Susceptible GBS(GBSSP)
Because types have different tolerances towards certain antibiotics,your healthcare provider will determine appropriate methods/medication accordingly. Standardly, women diagnosed with the common variety will receive IV antibiotics during labor, quickly does not matter when situations like preterm labour happens.With one in four mothers harbouring Group B Streptococcus bacteria within them,the prevention is a well-oiled part of medical practice.To ensure absolute protection,to be fully prepared i.e treatment options should be discussed with doctor beforehand.
How Can You Protect Baby From GBS?
From pregnancy till delivery there are many precautionary measures that can reduce infection rates:
1.Washing hands frequently & use hand sanitizer
2.Looking For Signs Of Illness - persistent fever & lethargy
3.Antibiotics during labor starting at least 4 hours prior to delivery(limited quantity; consult with pharmacists.)
4.Choosing healthy foods/drinks,sleep properly, avoiding smoking/drugs/alcohol consumptions .
5.Checking through follow up's once more after leaving hospitals & clinics regularly
Even for those who do test negative for Group B strep, continued focus on hygiene and overall health remains important for sensitive newborns to stay secure.
Expecting Soon?
Make sure you are aware of proper steps that should be taken to keep GBS and other top-priority concerns at bay during the pregnancy/after birth. Give your child-taking journey the best start possible!