QuestionHi, I'm 37 weeks and I just found out that I'm GSB positive. I understand that I'd need to get antibiotics when I go into labor, but I read online that it should be administered a few hours to be effective, but my past labors have been around 1.5 hours each (from start to baby out), if that. Although small, I know that the potential results to from a surviving baby that has contracted it can be quite devastating, and I'm really concerned. What are my options? Why can we take the antibiotics before labor?
Any insight you have on this is appreciated.
AnswerDear Yasmin,
Many adults - including 25% of pregnant women in the United States - have group B strep in their bodies, usually in the bowel, bladder, vagina, or rectum. In adults with serious medical conditions, such as liver failure or cancer, GBS can cause dangerous infections. But most adults are just carriers of the bacterium, which means they have no symptoms and don't feel sick. In fact, GBS in adults usually isn't treated because it usually isn't harmful. The exception to this is pregnant women because they can pass the bacteria to their babies during vaginal delivery.
Many women ask this same question - they want the infection treated as soon as it is discovered. However, taking oral antibiotics in the 3rd trimester isn't effective at preventing the transmission of GBS, because this bacterium can grow back quickly. So treating the mother with oral antibiotics during the pregnancy may decrease the amount of GBS for a short time, but it will not eliminate the bacteria completely and will leave the baby unprotected at birth.
For the most effective treatment, you'll receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics, such as penicillin or ampicillin, when your labor begins. If you're allergic to penicillin and related drugs, you may receive clindamycin or a similar alternative. Doctors generally try to give two doses of antibiotics four hours apart before delivery. If you have a long labor, you may receive additional doses. The point is, we want the mom and baby to be treated while in labor (right before birth) to minimize the chances of infection. After birth, doctors and nurses will watch the baby to make sure there is no need for extra testing or treatment. If there wasn't time to give two doses of antibiotics during labor - and this can happen - there's no need to be concerned. The chance of infection is extremely small, but your doctor may give your baby antibiotics after birth just as an extra precaution.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your questions. I wish you well.
Brenda
