Finding Out About 'Strep B' (GBS) During Pregnancy
My partner has 5 weeks until she is due to give birth to our baby daughter which fills me with both happiness and a little bit of fear, ok quite a lot of fear (broken fingers and bite marks during the birth, and then sleepless nights and dirty nappies - what have I let myself in for :)
Up until a couple of days ago I had never heard of this Group B Streptococcus (also known as 'GBS' and 'Strep B') infection nor was I aware of the danger of this infection to the baby during the birthing stage of the pregnancy.
It was bought to my attention whilst speaking to a couple of friends, that 'Strep B' can be contracted by the baby from the mother during the birth. This infection can cause development problems such as varying levels of brain damage and it can even kill the baby. My friend advised that I should look into it a bit further, so I did and here is what I found...
Number One Cause of Life Threatening Infections...
Group B Streptococcus Infection has been identified as the number one cause of life threatening infections in newborn babies.
What is Group B Streptococcus?
Group B Streptococcus is a common type of bacteria carried in the lower intestines (30% of men and women) and vagina (25% of women) that shows no signs or symptoms of being present. This bacteria can be passed on by sexual contact but is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Other names for Group B Streptococcus
Group B Streptococcus is also known by other names including...- Strep B
- GBS
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Beta Strep
- Beta Haemolytic Strep
- Streptococcus agalactiae
Facts about GBS (Group B Streptococcus)
- 20-35% of woman carry the bacteria- GBS is a bacteria naturally carried by up to 35% of adults (both men and women)
- GBS is carried in the lower intestines and vagina
- Most people are unaware that they host the GBS bacteria
- GBS shows no symptoms
- GBS is hard to detect - I understand there is currently no 100% reliable test
- Carrying GBS is perfectly normal
- GBS is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), although it can be passed on by sexual contact.
Facts about GBS (Group B Streptococcus) in Pregnancy
- GBS infections usually occur during the birthing process but can occur just before and just after.- A C-Section / Cesarean Section will not prevent the risk of infection.
- GBS usually causes illness to the baby within the first 7 days from when the baby is born but it can be upto 3 months.
- GBS infection in babies is more common than conditions that are currently screened for, such as: Down's Syndrome, Rubella and Spina Bifida.
- Most babies exposed to GBS do not become infected
- The reason some babies become infected is still not known
Babies are at higher risk of GBS infection when any of the following occur:
- previous history of infant GBS infection
- mother has been identified with GBS during pregnancy
- premature labour (before 37 weeks)
- waters have broken 17 hours+ before the baby is born
- mother has a temperature higher than 38 ºC during labour
Group B Streptococcus Infection: Risks to the Baby
Below is a list of some of the problems the baby could suffer from should they become infected with GBS
- Meningitis
- Sepsis
- Shock
- Pneumonia
Long Term:
- Hearing Loss
- Vision Loss
- Neurological Problems
- Physical Problems
- Mental Retardation
- Cerebral Palsy
- Lung Damage
Screening for Group B Streptococcus
Australia: provided routinely as antenatal care
Canada: provided routinely as antenatal care
Spain: provided routinely as antenatal care
USA: provided routinely as antenatal care
UK: Screening is not routinely available on the NHS
I understand this is partly because of the inaccuracy of the tests available, partly because of the cost and resources required, and partly because there are fears bacteria will develop to become resistant to antibiotics.
Group B Streptococcus Test Results
Guidelines For Duration Of Antibiotics During Labor Debated
Note: If the test comes back negative, I understand it is still possible that the Group B Streptococcus bacteria may still be present.
Useful Group B Streptococcus Information and Resources
Pregnancy Complications - Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
Q&A on GBS, plus provides screening info for U more...1 point
GBSS - Group B Strep Support
Information and resources to help prevent Group B more...1 point
GBS Test During Labour Could Keep Babies From Contracting Deadly Infections
News article about GBS and GBS screening test.0 points
Group B Streptococcus Screening Test
A UK home testing kit for Group B Streptococcus Sc more...0 points
Debate Over Providing Pregnant Women With Vaccines Against Various Diseases
News article debating providing pregnant women Wit more...0 points
Strep B Information and Resources
Group B Streptococcus Q&A information and reso more...0 points
Latest Pregnancy News
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byGroup B Streptococcus Books and Publications
![Vaccination for Group B Streptococcus during pregnancy: Attitudes and concerns of women and health care providers [An article from: Social Science & Medicine]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519EPRSDSHL._SL75_.jpg)
Vaccination for Group B Streptococcus during pregnancy: Attitudes and concerns of women and health care providers [An article from: Social Science & Medicine]
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 07/25/2008)
List Price: $7.95
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The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Group B Streptococcus Infection: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age
Amazon Price: $28.95 (as of 07/25/2008)
List Price: $28.95
Used Price: $31.48
Streptococcus (Group B) (Deadly Diseases and Epidemics)
Amazon Price: $27.89 (as of 07/25/2008)
List Price: $31.95
Used Price: $19.98
UK Citizens: Group B Streptococcus Awareness Poll
USA Citizens: Group B Streptococcus Awareness Poll
Rest of World Citizens: Group B Streptococcus Awareness Poll
Reader Feedback
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herbie66
Welcome to the 'Pregnancy and Baby' Group Posted June 17, 2008 |
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herbie66
Your lens would be a great addition to the 'Pregnancy and Baby' Group Posted June 13, 2008 |
Thank you for this info.
Posted May 02, 2008
