The Bacteria Affecting Pregnant Women
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are bacteria that come and go in your body. They are commonly found in the intestines and lower genital tract of both women and men.
Since GBS lives naturally in the body of all adults, its effects are detrimental to pregnant women. Research shows that 1 in 4 pregnant women actively carry GBS bacteria in their bodies. Globally, the USA is among the top 5 countries with the highest numbers of GBS infections.
GBS And Pregnancy
As a naturally occurring bacteria with no symptoms, it’s crucial for pregnant women to get tested by their providers to determine if they carry GBS. This screening is usually recommended between week 36 & week 37 of pregnancy because GBS bacteria comes and goes. GBS is passed onto the unborn baby during labor through or through the amniotic fluid.
Effects of GBS on Babies
If left untreated, this bacteria causes:
- Stillbirths
- Pre-term delivery
- Miscarriages
- Death of newborns and infants
The immune system of a baby is usually underdeveloped to fight infections between birth and 6 months. With GBS bacteria, if not treated before birth, babies will develop
- Meningitis
- Septicemia
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- Cerebral palsy
If a pregnant woman is found to have GBS, antibiotics are given during labor so as to reduce the disease in infants during delivery. This is because if a doctor gives the antibiotics before labor begins, there is a high chance the bacteria will quickly grow back.
Factors That Increase a Pregnant Women's Risk of Delivering a Baby with GBS
During labor, the following experiences can increase the chances of passing GBS onto the unborn baby
- If you have tested +ve for GBS late in pregnancy
- If you develop a fever during labor at 100° or higher
- If 18 hours or more pass between when the mother's water breaks and when the baby is delivered
- If you have a Urinary Tract Infection during pregnancy
After delivery, the following are signs that a newborn may have GBS
- If a newborn has a fever
- If a newborn suffers seizures
- If a newborn has difficulty breathing
- If a newborn is Blue-ish in color
- If a newborn has difficulty breathing
- If a newborn is limp or you find it hard to wake them up
- If a newborn has jaundice
Currently, there isn’t a vaccine that can prevent pregnant women from passing the GBS bacteria to their babies.
As GBS is present in everyone, it is heightened if you suffer from the following pre-existing conditions:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Liver disease
- Cancer or having a history of cancer
- Obesity
It is highly recommended for pregnant women to visit their health providers and get tested.
