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 gynecologist in Noida like Dr. Aprajita Srivastava, can make a significant difference.
What is Group B Strep?
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:
- Sepsis (a blood infection)
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
Due to these risks, GBS screening and treatment are an important part of prenatal care.
Symptoms of Group B Strep in Pregnancy
Most women who carry GBS are asymptomatic. However, in some cases, symptoms may include:
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Fever during labor
- Early rupture of membranes (water breaking before labor starts)
- Preterm labor
Although symptoms may be minimal or absent, the infection can still pose a risk to the newborn if not properly managed.
How is GBS Diagnosed?
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.
Treatment for Group B Strep
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:
- Antibiotics are given only during labor, not before, because the bacteria can return.
- Timely administration is crucial—ideally at least four hours before delivery.
- A cesarean delivery is not necessary just because of GBS, unless there are other medical reasons for the procedure.
With proper treatment, the risk of passing GBS to the baby drops from about 1 in 200 to 1 in 4,000.
Who is at Higher Risk?
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.
Why Choose Expert Care?
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.
Final Thoughts
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 Srivastava
Address - Ofc No 143, 1st Floor, QURE CLINIC, Cleo St, Sector 121, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
Email - contact@draprajitasrivastava.in
Phone - 9599244575
Google Map Location Listing - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UpEeKN9QswpunDx49
