Prevnetion of Group B Strep in newborns

July is designated as Group B Strep Awareness Month.  Group B Strep (GBS) is a type of bacteria that is often found in the vagina and rectum of healthy women.  It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have an infection if you have GBS, but if you are pregnant, GBS can be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth.
 
In the United States, about 1 in 4 women of any race or ethnicity can carry this type of bacteria. Finding the GBS bacteria does not mean that you are not clean, and it does not mean that you have a sexually transmitted disease. The bacteria are not spread from food, sex, water, or anything that you might have come into contact with. They can come and go naturally in the body.

According to Calvin Siegers, MD, OB/GYN Physician with Michigan Medical, P.C. in Holland, “Group B Strep is a leading cause of life-threatening infections in newborns, including pneumonia (lung infection), sepsis (blood infection), meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), and other problems. Sadly, many infants can die or have serious long-term effects from a Group B Strep infection.”

Most pregnant women have no symptoms when they are carriers for group B strep bacteria. Sometimes, Group B Strep can cause bladder infections during pregnancy, or infections in the womb during labor or after delivery.   Dr. Siegers suggests the following tips to help you protect your unborn baby from Group B Strep.

Before you go into labor:
· Your physician may suggest it, but if s/he doesn’t, ask your doctor for a GBS test when you are 35 to 37 weeks pregnant (9th month).
· If you are allergic to penicillin or other antibiotics, make sure to tell your doctor or nurse about any reactions you have had.
· If your test shows that you carry the bacteria, talk with your doctor about a plan for labor.
· Continue your regular check-ups, and always call your doctor or nurse if you have any problems

When your water breaks or when you go into labor:

If you have not had your GBS test when labor starts, remind the staff that you do not know your GBS status.

If you are a GBS carrier:
· Go to the hospital. The antibiotics work best if you get them at least 4 hours before you deliver.
· Tell the labor and delivery staff at the hospital that you are a group B strep carrier.
· Speak up if you are allergic to penicillin.
· Expect to get IV antibiotics (medicine through the vein) during labor.
· It is fine to breastfeed after your baby is born.

“Being tested for Group B Strep before you deliver is an important step in preventing your baby from this devastating illness,” says Dr. Siegers.  For more information, visit www.mmpc.com.

Source:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

About mmpc
Michigan Medical, P.C. is the largest physician owned, multi-specialty group in Michigan.  Currently, mmpc has over 300 health care providers in 30 locations across West Michigan in more than 30 specialties.  By putting patients first, mmpc is committed to offering the highest standard of healthcare for you and your family.  We walk our talk when it comes to valuing our patients by providing excellent medical care in our professional, welcoming facilities across West Michigan.  Comprehensive, confidential care, exceptional physicians, and patient satisfaction are hallmarks of mmpc's success. To learn more about mmpc and the services we provide, please visit the web site, at www.mmpc.com.