What exactly is group B strep? Where do you get it from? And what happens if i test positive? What is the percent of women who have it? Any info would help! Thanks
2007-11-06 14:01:53 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Group B Streptococcus is a bacteria that can naturally occur in the vaginal/rectal areas and intestines. It is not a STD and is present in 1 out of 4 pregnant women. Carriers of Group B Step don't have any symptoms caused by the bacteria, and generally have no problems from it. If you test positive for the bacteria, usually between 35-37 weeks pregnancy, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic medication to prevent the spread of the Group B strep to a baby during birth. Although the bacteria causes little to no problems for adults, it could cause sepsis, meningitis, or pneumonia for a newborn.
I hope this helps.
2007-11-06 14:50:05 · answer #1 · answered by Jessica S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1 out of 4 women have it. It's a specific type of bacteria that lies in the digestive tract as well as the vagina. Some women have that specific bacteria and some don't. It's completely normal if you do. It's not an infection and doesn't harm you or the baby (uless you have higher than usual amounts and in that case they have to give you a weeks doasge of amoxicillan until labor comes) Basically they need to know so they can administer antibiotics during labor to ensure the baby does not the bacteria in the lungs during birth. It's not biggie, but it's just a precaution they like to take. I have it and my son was born vaginally and it was never an issue.
2007-11-07 02:44:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is some sort of bacteria, although I couldn't tell you the actual medical definition. They don't know where you get it from, or at least they don't say so. If you test positive then you will need to have some antibiotics given through an IV while you are in labor. This will help protect the baby as he/she passes through the birth canal. I recall that about 30% of women have it. I was one of them and it really wasn't a big deal at all. I was so worried at first, but really no reason to be.
2007-11-06 14:06:56 · answer #3 · answered by FebJoy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2 out of 3 women will have a high enough viral load to test positive during pregnancy. It's a virus that occurs naturally in our digestive tract and vaginal canal. Not dangerous to the mother at all. The only thing that will happen if you test positive is once you water's break during labor (or before doctor breaks your waters) they will stick pennacillin in your IV to prevent transfer of GBS to your baby when it is delivered. It really isn't a big deal at all.
I was positive with my son and actually had my water's break without going into labor...Just meant that I had to go to the hospital immediately for the antibiotics rather then waiting for labor to begin.
2007-11-06 14:07:20 · answer #4 · answered by starfire978 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
GBS is a bacteria that is naturally found in the digestive tract and birth canal of 1 in 4 pregnant women.
Everything you need to know on the following site.
Too much info. for me to relay. GL
2007-11-06 14:09:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anasmom 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's an infection found in the digestive tract...it does no harm to you, and it's really common, but it can harm the baby. Luckily I didn't have it (and thank God they let me test myself!), but I know girls who did and they just had to get a shot.
2007-11-06 14:13:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
if you do have it, up your yogurt to guard against yeast infections and thrush from the antibiotics
2007-11-06 14:16:35 · answer #7 · answered by lillilou 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
anasmom told you the same thing my midwife told me..so id go with that one:)
2007-11-06 14:14:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋