As they give birth to their baby, pregnant women are more likely to get many illnesses. These illnesses can be dangerous for the mother and could be passed on to her baby. GBS (Group B streptococcus) is a type if bacteria that can be found up to 40% in pregnant women. This bacteria can cause serious complications, even though it is not often harmful. These questions will help you understand GBS and how it affects you and your child.
What Is GBS
GBS is a type bacteria found in the urinary, digestive and reproductive tracts. GBS is one of many types of bacteria that is usually harmless and does not cause serious illness. GBS should not be confused with A streptococcus which can cause strep. If a person is infected with the bacteria but not yet sick, they are called “colonized”. Colonization is usually not dangerous for a woman. GBS can be transmitted to a baby by pregnant women who have been colonized. This could prove to be very dangerous. GBS is generally harmless to women. This means that a woman may not be aware of the possibility of passing it to her baby. Every pregnant woman will be tested at 36 weeks for GBS.
What Effects Can It Have On My Child
Infections can occur during pregnancy as well as after birth. This is still a rare occurrence, with only 1 to 2 babies in 100. Early Infections: These occur within the first week after birth, if they do not happen within the first few hours. This means that the disease was transmitted during delivery. Late Infections are infections that occur after the baby leaves the womb. They can also be passed on to the mother. Both late and early infections can have severe consequences for your baby’s health. Inflammation in the baby’s bloodstream, spine, brain, lungs or brain can occur. This could lead to many serious and permanent consequences, including death for about 5% of those infected. As well as sepsis and meningitis complications, breathing, kidney and intestine problems can also occur.
What Can I Do To Ensure I Have No GBS
GBS can be diagnosed quickly and easily. To ensure that the mother is not colonized, her doctor will take a vaginal culture at 36 weeks. Your doctor will take samples from your perineum, rectum and vagina with a swab. These will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Usually, results can be obtained within a few days. The tests may not be useful in the early stages of pregnancy because changes can occur to your body.
What Can I Do If I Have GBS
You will be given IV antibiotics in the hospital while you deliver. If you have GBS, it is crucial that you go to the hospital immediately after your water stops.
In Conclusion
GBS is quite common in healthy women. However, it is unlikely that you will be a carrier of the bacteria. To prevent the baby from being exposed to GBS, antibiotics may be administered to you if you are positive for GBS.
