Pregnancy tips Pregnancy and Group B Strep

Although Group B strep sounds scary, it is a common bacteria. However, if this bacteria is passed on to a pregnant woman's baby, it could lead to potentially severe complications. Read more:

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From the article:

Group B strep, as stated above, is a bacterium that normally lives in the genitourinary or gastrointestinal tracts, areas like the vagina and rectum. In adults, GBS infection is relatively easy to treat. Unfortunately, in babies, it can be potentially deadly and could cause conditions such as meningitis (inflammation of membranes of the brain/spinal cord), sepsis (infection of blood), etc. These conditions could lead to serious disabilities or even death of the newborn.

About a third of healthy adult women have GBS present, although not all of them would pass the bacteria along to their babies. However, some instances can make the passage of the bacterium to the baby more likely. These include:

•If you've had a fever during labor.
•If your water broke prior to 37 weeks.
•If you've had a urinary tract infection caused by GBS.
•Have had a prior baby with GBS.