CDC Warns Pregnant Mothers to Get Checked for Group B Strep Bacteria to Protect their Unborn Child

The CDC has released an urgent health warning for women who are pregnant. The warning urges all pregnant women to be tested for Group B streptococcal bacteria, commonly known as GBS, group B strep, or baby strep. This very common form of Strep Bacteria can be passed on to your baby during childbirth with often deadly consequences.

According to the CDC announcement, 1 in 4 women typically GBS (group B strep), often found in the vagina and rectum of healthy women. The rates of occurrence do not appear to be affected by race or ethnicity.

Even if a woman has no symptoms of the GBS bacteria, it is still very possible to be carrying the bacteria. Not feeling ill simply means that the bacteria has not entered the blood stream, but is instead living in the rectum or vagina. While the bacteria in these cases is not a danger to the pregnant mother-to-be, it can make your baby very sick or even cause the death of your baby after passing it on during childbirth.

The CDC indicates that your doctor should perform a test for GBS test when you are 35 to 37 weeks pregnant (in your 9th month). “The test is an easy swab of the vagina and rectum that should not hurt.” Additionally, the test should be performed for each preganacy.

GBS is not an STD or in any way related to hygiene. The bacteria can come and go naturally in the body. To prevent baby strep from infecting your baby, an antibiotic is given during labor through an IV. While penicillin is typically what is used, for those allergic to penicillin, there are still other choices for treatment during labor. Taking antibiotics before labor will not suffice as the GBS bacteria can grow back so fast that is does not prevent the bacteria from spreading to your baby during childbirth.

The following are some important things that pregnant women should know and do before labor according to the CDC:

– 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.

– 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.