Hematoma & Group B Strep in Pregnancy: Understanding Risks & Monitoring

Question
Hello.  I am 16 weeks pregnant and have had 2 fairly heavy episodes of bleeding, one at 13 weeks and another at 15 weeks.    The scan at 13 weeks showed a healthy baby, but nothing else.  The scan at 15 weeks showed a healthy baby again, but this time I was told she could see a hematoma near the placenta.  The next day I was told my swab results came back positive for group B strep.  I know these are two separate conditions, but I was wondering if one can affect the other?  Is my pregnancy put at a higher risk because I have both, or does the risk stay the same as if I just had the hematoma on its own?  

Answer
Hi Scarlet :)

First off, let me tell you that your conditions with your pregnancy are not uncommon, and are treatable, so this should give you re-assurance.

Yes, your pregnancy is now considered high risk given that you tested for Group B strep and because of the hematoma.

However, these two conditions will not affect one another. Antibiotics are given when a woman is in the hospital labouring. So you most likely will not be treated for the Strep, until you are admitted into hospital for delivery.The anitbiotics will help prevent the baby coming into contact with the strep. Strep B can be dangerous to a new born baby, causing respiratory issues such as upper respiratory, pneumonia, and in more severe cases, death, allthough extremely rare. I am curious as to why you were tested so early for Strep so early in your pregnancy. Usually, Strep testing is done around the the 7th month or so.

With the hematoma, you are at risk for pre-mature labour, and hemmorrage. So they will keep an eye on you, and monitor your condition very closely. Its possible as well, that you may have a c-section if they see complications associated with the blood clot.

Again, I dont want to scare you, but just know that these conditions are not uncommon and are easily treatable, and rectified. All though you are considered a high risk, the Majority of women go through pregnancy and delivery with no issues :)

Hope this answered your question, and thanks for writing!

-Kristy