Sore Throat & Early Pregnancy: Is Strep A a Concern?

Question
I am 22 years old and have no children.  I recently found out that I was pregnant, my LMP was May 29, 2004.  Right after I found out I was pregnant, I went to the Urgent Care for a sore throat.  I was just notified that I had Step A.  It ended up going away on its own.  I was probably in week 4-5 of pregnancy and I worrying that this illness could cause harm to the baby.  Especially considering what a crucial time of development these weeks are.
Thanks, Jess

Answer
Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) is a common bacteria that causes upper respiratory illness (sore throats). It is a bacteria not a virus. It will not have any effect on your pregnancy or on the fetus, at all, especially since it went away on its own. The bacteria that is important to be aware of, is Streptococcus B (GBS). You will have a culture of your vagina for GBS when you reach 36 weeks gestation. If it positive in your vagina at 36 weeks, when you go into labor your will be given antibiotics to protect the baby as it comes though the birth canal.  Strep A is not a problem at all. Don't worry.