Group B strep?

Question

What is group B strep?

Does anyone have it?

Can you get rid of it?

Should this be something to worry about??

Answer 1

Group B Strep, also known as Beta Strep or GBS is a bacteria that can live within humans. About 25% of women are carriers of this bacteria and don't even know it. They don't have any feelings of illness and are not sick. It is not a sexually transmitted disease, so you don't have to worry about your husband or partner getting it. The risk to your baby comes at birth. 98-99% of all babies born to infected mothers will not become infected, if treated. Of those who become infected few will have any problems with the treatment for the infection. There are two types of infections: early and late.

Early infections tend to occur usually within the first six hours after birth, and most by the seventh day of life. This infection can cause inflammation of the baby's lungs, spinal cord or brain.

During birth as the baby passes through the vagina it comes into contact with the bacteria, making it more likley for the baby to get Group B Strep. To prevent this from happening women who test positive or who have had a previous baby with Group B Strep will be given IV antibiotics during labor. If you were not test at the end of your pregnancy and you go into labor you will be treated if you have any of the following symptoms of a Group B Strep infection:
Water is broken greater than 18 hours
You run a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
You are in labor prior to 37 weeks

Every woman should be tested between weeks 35-37 of gestation with a simple vaginal and rectal swab.
If she tests positive she should be treated with antibiotics in labor.
If a woman has tested negative within five weeks of labor, she does not need to be treated in labor, even if she develops risk factors.
If a woman has an unknown GBS status in labor, she should only be treated if she develops risk factors.
A woman should be treated in labor if she has ever had a previous baby born with GBS or if she has tested positive at any time during her current pregnancy.

Answer 2

I never understood what it was. I had it with my first but not with my second, so yes you can get rid of it. You will be treated for it through an IV. It really isn't anything to worry about, honestly. Although I did the same thing. But after it was all over there was nothing to worry about at all. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

group B strep is what causes impego...
YES it is something to worry about, it is a bacterial infection and while you CAN get rid of it you have to be diligent about keeping things clean or it can spread. If you or anyone you know (family member) has it they need to be seeing a doctor.

Answer 4

It is a bacterial infection around the vagina and anus. I had with my forth. I got IV antibiotics when I went into labour. I wouldn't worry about it the doctor will test you and take care of it

Answer 5

Ive never had it , but my friend has with 2 of her pregnancies and the only thing they do is put you on antibiotics through the IV while your in labor. That way it wont be passed to the baby.