What is GBS and why are pregnant women tested?

The article was professionally consulted by BSCK II Tran Thi Mai Huong - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Obstetrics and Gynecology Department - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

GBS is very rare in pregnant women, but it can have serious consequences for the unborn baby, making GBS testing routine for all pregnant women.

GBS stands for group B streptococcus which is a type of bacteria that live in the vagina and rectum. Many women carry GBS but do not have any symptoms. GBS can be passed to an unborn baby during delivery. Most babies who get GBS from their mothers have no problems. But a few can become sick. GBS can cause serious health problems and even death in babies.
GBS is not a sexually transmitted disease. This bacteria is commonly found in the intestines, vagina, and rectum.

GBS can usually be detected with a prenatal screening test done between 36 weeks and 38 weeks of pregnancy. Samples are taken from the vagina and rectum of pregnant women. The sample is then taken to a laboratory to be cultured for the presence of GBS. Results are usually available in 1 to 2 days.

GBS test is considered completely harmless to pregnant women and fetuses. It is also useful in early detection to initiate treatment to prevent the baby from getting GBS infection.
Group B strep infection during pregnancy will cause urinary tract infections, infections of the fetus and amniotic fluid, sepsis and may cause infection of the uterine lining in pregnant women
Infected babies GBS will have manifestations such as a child with bacteremia, pneumonia, meningitis, a child with respiratory or cardiovascular problems, an unstable child's blood pressure and digestive system.
Findings of GBS bacteria in the body can change from time to time, because they live naturally in the digestive system, so pregnant women are recommended to be tested for GBS during all pregnancies pregnant. Symptoms of GBS infection such as: Premature rupture of membranes. Occurrence of fever during labor. Urinary tract infection due to GBS in pregnancy.

If the case is positive for GBS, it means that the body is carrying GBS bacteria. Healthcare providers will recommend that pregnant women infected with GBS take intravenous antibiotics to prevent disease and also to prevent the fetus from becoming infected with GBS.
Taking antibiotics by mouth before labor will not protect pregnant women and their babies from GBS, as taking them will not prevent rapid progression of GBS to their baby during childbirth.
If the cesarean section is performed and the amniotic sac is still intact (the water has not broken), the mother does not need to take antibiotics.

Early-onset i.e. signs and symptoms present in the fetus during birth. Usually, children will have symptoms of bacteremia, pneumonia and meningitis or respiratory and digestive problems. In this case, the pregnant woman and the fetus will be prescribed intravenous antibiotics.
Late-onset i.e. signs of GBS infection appear 1 week or several months after birth. Signs may include meningitis. Regardless of early or late onset, GBS infection in newborns is also very worrisome to the baby's development.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-up, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package helps to facilitate the process. birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care

Reference source: acog.org