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4 Facts About Group B Strep Group B Strep is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns, so why haven’t you heard of it? Understand these four important facts about these naturallyoccurring bacteria. 1 Not all newborns exposed to GBS become infected One in four pregnant women carry Group B Streptococcus (Group B Strep or GBS) in their digestive tract and birth canal, but not all newborns exposed to GBS are infected. Many Moms wonder why. Why are some babies just fine while others suffer from potentially deadly complications at the hands of the infection? Dr. Carol J. Baker, professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston explains that there are many potential answers to this question, but the main reason seems to be that some women have developed a natural immunity to GBS. “Your baby doesn’t get tetanus if you had the vaccine because your protection goes through the placenta to keep the baby well until he or she starts getting vaccinated,” she explains. “This analogy explains what happens with GBS. We don’t know which women are protected, but some have developed immunity naturally and they pass that along to the baby.” 2 Although the bacteria is usually harmless to Moms, it can cause deadly infections in babies Although the naturally occurring bacteria is usually harmless to the mother, it is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). GBS can cause sepsis, pneumonia or even meningitis. It can also cause babies to be stillborn, miscarried or so sick they die after birth. 3 Women who test positive for GBS usually have no symptoms. A woman who tests positive for GBS usually does not have any symptoms, thus the importance of routine testing. “The good news is, GBS disease is highly preventable,” explains Marti Perhach, executive director, CEO and co-founder of Group B Strep International. She lost her baby girl to GBS in 1998. “If the mom is tested between weeks 35 and 37, as recommended by CDC, and found to be positive, she should be given IV antibiotics for GBS during labor and delivery. However, my daughter, Rose, was stillborn fullterm because GBS had already infected her amniotic fluid and lungs before I could get my IV antibiotics.” 4 Group B Strep is different than strep throat and does not only affect pregnant women. GBS is not strep throat, which is caused by group A strep, and it can affect people of all ages, especially those with compromised immune systems. 10
4 Tips GBSAnswers For Moms Who Test Positive For GBS Most Moms who test positive for Group B Strep will give birth to perfectly healthy babies, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t takes steps to protect their newborns from potentially serious illness, or even death. Doctors and real moms come together to share their best tips for handling a GBS diagnosis. 1 Maintain an open dialogue with your doctor “My best tip for a woman who has tested positive is to discuss that result with her obstetrician,” says Dr. Carol J. Baker, professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and executive director, Center for Vaccine Awareness & Research, Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Baker also advises women to have a clear plan for what will happen once they go into labor, and to be sure to be honest with their health care professionals. “People worry during pregnancy,” she says. “They wonder, ‘Am I eating the wrong thing? Am I drinking the right thing?’ The overwhelming majority of babies will be healthy whether they carry Group B Strep or not, so on one hand, I tell women not to worry; but on the other hand, if you want to know more—ask!” Think of the medical professionals you’ve surrounded yourself with as teammates in the quest for a happy, healthy birth. Trust them, of course, but don’t be afraid to seek second opinions, ask questions and do your own research. Support groups, both in-person and online, can bring comfort in community, and there are a plethora of reliable online resources, such as the CDC’s website—just make sure you’re turning to a trustworthy source. 2 Go to the hospital as soon as labor starts The sooner you get to the hospital, the sooner you can begin your antibiotic treatment (which should be administered intravenously). “Antibiotics to prevent GBS disease work best if given 4 or more hours before the birth of the baby. Arriving to the hospital when labor is starting maximizes the chances that women can get this effective treatment in time,” explains Jonathan M. Wortham, MD, Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer for the Center for Disease Control, has taken care of extremely ill infants with GBS disease Of the mothers who test positive for GBS and are treated with antibiotics in labor, the risk of infection drops from 1 in 200 babies to 1 in 4,000. 3 Remind the hospital staff that you tested positive for GBS bacteria. Remember tip one? Trust your medical team, but you’re in charge of your own health. Don’t assume everyone has seen your files. Speak up and remind everyone you talk to, nurses included, that you tested positive for GBS bacteria, even if you think they already know. “We have a status card we give to Mom if she tests positive, just in case the results aren’t at the hospital in time for the delivery,” says Marti Perhach, executive director, CEO and co-founder of Group B Strep International. “She can show the card and expedite getting the IV antibiotics. She should also be sure to alert the nursing staff as soon as labor starts or her water breaks.” If you’re allergic to any medications, such as Penicillin, note that right away, too. 4 Ask your provider to not strip your membranes “The reason for that recommendation is that stripping the membranes can allow the bacteria to get closer to the baby,” explains Dr. Baker. 11
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