Group B Strep in Pregnancy: Symptoms and Treatment

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Learn about Group B Strep in pregnancy—its symptoms, risks, and treatment options. Expert care by Dr. Aprajita Srivastava in Noida.

Pregnancy is a special time filled with joy and anticipation, but it's also important to stay informed about potential health issues that may arise. One such concern is Group B Streptococcus (GBS)—a common bacterial infection that can affect pregnant women and, in some cases, their new borns during delivery.Understanding GBS, its symptoms, and treatment options is essential for ensuring a safe pregnancy and childbirth experience.Let’s take a closer look at what Group B Strep is, why it matters during pregnancy, and how the right medical care, especially from a qualified <a href="https://www.draprajitasrivastava.in/best-gynecologist-in-noida/">gynecologist in Noida</a> like Dr. Aprajita Srivastava, can make a significant difference.<h2>What is Group B Strep?</h2>Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that naturally lives in the digestive and lower genital tract of many healthy adults. In fact, about 25% of women carry GBS without showing any symptoms.However, during pregnancy, this bacteria can be passed to the baby during labor and delivery, which could lead to serious infections like:<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Sepsis (a blood infection)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Pneumonia</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Meningitis</li></ul>Due to these risks, GBS screening and treatment are an important part of prenatal care.<h2>Symptoms of Group B Strep in Pregnancy</h2>Most women who carry GBS are asymptomatic. However, in some cases, symptoms may include:<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Unusual vaginal discharge</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Fever during labor</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Early rupture of membranes (water breaking before labor starts)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Preterm labor</li></ul>Although symptoms may be minimal or absent, the infection can still pose a risk to the newborn if not properly managed.<h2>How is GBS Diagnosed?</h2>GBS is typically detected through a routine screening test conducted between the 35th and 37th weeks of pregnancy. The procedure involves a quick and painless swab of the vaginal and rectal areas. Results are usually available within a few days.According to Dr. Aprajita Srivastava, a highly regarded gynecologist and reproductive health expert, early detection of GBS allows for proactive treatment, significantly reducing the risk to the newborn.<h2>Treatment for Group B Strep</h2>If a pregnant woman tests positive for GBS, the most effective treatment is intravenous (IV) antibiotics during labor—most commonly penicillin or a similar alternative for those with allergies. This helps prevent the bacteria from passing to the baby during childbirth.Key points about GBS treatment include:<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Antibiotics are given only during labor, not before, because the bacteria can return.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Timely administration is crucial—ideally at least four hours before delivery.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">A cesarean delivery is not necessary just because of GBS, unless there are other medical reasons for the procedure.</li></ul>With proper treatment, the risk of passing GBS to the baby drops from about 1 in 200 to 1 in 4,000.<h2>Who is at Higher Risk?</h2>Certain women face a higher risk of complications from Group B Strep during pregnancy. These include those who go into labor before 37 weeks or whose water breaks more than 18 hours before delivery, both of which increase the chances of the bacteria reaching the baby. A fever during labor can also signal a possible infection, including GBS.Additional risk factors include having had a previous baby with a GBS infection or the detection of GBS in the mother’s urine during pregnancy, which may indicate a high bacterial load.In such cases, doctors like Dr. Aprajita Srivastava, a trusted gynecologist in Noida, take timely steps to ensure the safety of both mother and child.<h2>Why Choose Expert Care?</h2>Managing GBS effectively requires careful monitoring, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment. Dr. Aprajita Srivastava, a renowned gynecologist in Noida, provides expert prenatal care tailored to each patient’s needs.With her extensive experience in gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, and fertility treatment, she ensures that both mother and baby are in safe hands.Her clinic in Noida offers state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, compassionate support, and evidence-based care to help expecting mothers navigate every stage of their pregnancy confidently and safely.<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>Though Group B Strep can be concerning, it is highly manageable when diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Regular prenatal checkups, proper screening, and expert medical care are key to minimizing any potential risks.If you're expecting or planning a pregnancy, consider consulting Dr. Aprajita Srivastava, a trusted name when it comes to maternal care.With the right gynecologist in Noida by your side, you can enjoy peace of mind and focus on the joy of welcoming your little one into the world.Dr. Aprajita SrivastavaAddress - Ofc No 143, 1st Floor, QURE CLINIC, Cleo St, Sector 121, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301Email - contact@draprajitasrivastava.inPhone - 9599244575Google Map Location Listing - <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/UpEeKN9QswpunDx49">https://maps.app.goo.gl/UpEeKN9QswpunDx49</a>