Group B-Strep | By Davi K Khalsa, CNM

Usually being positive is a good thing, but what happens if you are pregnant and you find out that you have tested positive for Group B (or beta) Strep (commonly called GBS)? First, don’t panic – a positive test for GBS is very common, and there are relatively simple ways to prevent transmitting a GBS infection to your newborn. It is still very important to understand all about GBS and what it means if you are positive during the last weeks of your pregnancy. Our body is home to approximately 100 trillion microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, etc.), and usually we live in harmony with these microorganisms. In fact, we need them for good health. Beneficial microorganisms play an important role in strengthening our immune systems, improving metabolic function, providing anti-inflammatory support, and preventing allergies, among other benefits. In a healthy body, these beneficial microorganisms predominate and control opportunistic microorganisms, which can cause infections and disturb the body’s natural balance. The balance of beneficial and opportunistic microorganisms is very delicate, and it can be disrupted by many factors including our diets, pharmaceuticals (antibiotics and probiotics being the most obvious) and even stress. Sometimes an imbalance in our bodies allows opportunistic microorganisms, like the bacterial microflora Beta Strep, to multiply and adverse symptoms can manifest. So what about GBS and pregnancy? Why is it a significant concern during childbirth? Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that is found in the lower intestines and in the vagina of approximately 1 in 4 of all healthy adult women, usually without adverse symptoms or consequences.

GBS bacteria are not sexually transmitted, and they are not contagious. You may have GBS in your body for just a short period of time, it may come and go, or you may always have it. Normally, GBS is not treated during pregnancy unless the GBS bacteria are found to be present in urine. If it is, it then needs to be treated right away. Otherwise, if a woman is GBS positive only from the vaginal/rectal area, she is not treated until she begins labor. When a baby is born vaginally, it is exposed to and can swallow vaginal fluids containing GBS. Because their immature immune system and sterile digestive flora is not equipped to fight the GBS bacteria, the baby can quickly become very ill with GBS Disease and even die from these strong bacteria. In the U.S., GBSis the leading cause of meningitis (infection of the fluid and lining around the brain) and sepsis (infection of the blood) in a newborn’s first week of life.

DETECTION The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends all pregnant women be screened for the presence of GBS with a vaginal/rectal culture at 35-37 weeks in pregnancy.

TREATMENT The United States uses the most effective strategy that has been researched: during labor, IV antibiotics are given to all women who have tested GBS positive. Women with unknown GBS status, such as those who give birth prematurely (before taking the GBS test) or who have certain other conditions, are also treated with antibiotics. Because of this strategy, the US has seen a major reduction in babies born with early onset infection. A pregnant woman who tests positive for group B strep and gets antibiotics during labor 4 hours before birth has only a 1 in 4,000 chance of delivering a baby with GBS Disease, compared to a 1 in 200 chance if she does not get antibiotics during labor. This is a huge difference! This is why most midwives and doctors are supportive of this protocol.

CONTROVERSY Many people are concerned with the overuse of antibiotics in general, which can lead to so-called ‘superbugs’ which are resistant to antibiotic strains. Antib