Understanding Miscarriage and Beta Strep: Causes, Prevention & Next Steps

Question
I am 33 years old and healthy.  I have two sons, 12 and 7 yrs old.  I have just re-married and we are trying to have another child.  I miscarried the first time at around 13 weeks. They were able to tell that it was a boy. The second time I miscarried at around 3 weeks.  The nurse said both times a test came up saying I was positive for Beta Strep.  What does this mean? Is there a cure or preventitive?   What can I do to have a healthy pregnancy and birth?  We really want another child. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Some women are carriers for Group B Betahemolytic Streptococcus (GBS). Most of the time, this is not a problem and we check for GBS at 36 weeks gestation. If you are positive for GBS at 36 weeks, we generally treat you with antibiotics when you go into labor and are admitted to the hospital.  Occasionally, GBS can be found in the urine or vagina of women who miscarry. You can be prophylactically treated with Penicillin at the beginning of the pregnancy to try to prevent the miscarriage. I would discuss it with your doctor. Also, miscarriage occurs in 15-20% of all pregnancies and you may not have GBS all the time. There is no reason why you should not be able to carry a pregnancy to term. Good Luck.