Deep within the labyrinthine tapestry of pregnancy, where life takes its first breaths, there lies a potential shadow – group B Streptococcus (GBS). This enigmatic bacteria, often lurking silently, can cast an ominous specter over the joys of carrying a child. Let us embark on a voyage of finding, unraveling the secrets of GBS during pregnancy and its profound implications for both mother and her precious cargo.
– Group B Strep: Understanding the Risks in Pregnancy
Understanding the Risks
Group B strep (GBS) is a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections in newborns. It’s estimated that around 10-30% of pregnant women carry GBS in their vagina or rectum. While most women with GBS have healthy pregnancies and babies, it’s significant to understand the potential risks:
- Premature birth: GBS can cause premature birth, which occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
- Low birth weight: GBS can lead to low birth weight, which can increase the risk of health problems in newborns.
- Neonatal sepsis: This is a serious infection of the blood or cerebrospinal fluid in newborns. It’s the most common cause of sepsis in newborns in the United states.
- Meningitis: GBS can cause meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Pneumonia: GBS can cause pneumonia, an infection of the lungs.
- Death: In rare cases, GBS can lead to death in newborns.