Group B Strep Testing....Why it is important!
Nov 06 '00
As a registered nurse, I cannot stress how important it is for pregnant women to be tested for Group B Strep. Infection with Group B Strep can be lethal to the newborn, but is easily tested for and treated.
Why be Tested?
Group B Strep is an commonly occurring organism that grows in the rectum, vagina and cervix. Up to 33% of all pregnant women are infected with this bacteria. It usually causes no symptoms for non-pregnant women. However, during pregnancy, it can cause serious complications. These complications can include chorioamnionitis, intra-amniotic infection, bacteruria, and bacteremia. These can lead to premature rupture of membranes and premature labor. Up to 70% of women having this bacteria will pass it on to their newborn. A newborn infected with Group B Strep can have a greater than 50% chance of death, depending on which strain of bacteria the mother carries. Newborn infection can cause pneumonia and meningitis. If the baby survives, it may suffer permanent neurologic or developmental problems.
Screening for Group B Strep
The test is done at approximately 32-35 weeks gestation (actual dates depends on your own physician's recommendations). It is a simple painless swab of the vaginal lining. The sample is sent to a lab for processing, and results are sent to your obstetrician a short time later.
Treatment
Treatment for Group B Strep infection is as simple as the test for it. The pregnant mother can be treated during her third trimester with antibiotics, or more commonly, with IV antibiotics during delivery. In either case, protection extends to her baby.
Group B Strep screening is being done by many obstetricians. If you have not been offered this test, please do not hesitate to ask your obstetrician to test you for this in your third trimester.
It is sometimes a matter of life....or death.
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