Streptococci: danger for the baby?

Group B streptococci can be found in 10 to 30 percent of all pregnancies without any symptoms being felt beforehand. While streptococci are mostly harmless to the mother and her body can fight them off, an infection in the child can have serious health consequences. Fortunately, the risk of the bacteria being transmitted to the child is very low at one to two percent. Learn more about the risks and treatment options for strep throat here.

What are B streptococci?

Group B streptococci, GBS for short, are bacteria that are mainly found in the intestines and on the mucous membranes in the genital area. Even if it is not clear how one can become infected with GBS, it is assumed that the bacteria are mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse. Estrogen deficiency, diabetes and improper personal hygiene can still promote an infection with streptococci.

Why are streptococcal infections more common during pregnancy?

Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, the bacterial composition of the vaginal environment changes, among other things. Streptococci now have an easier time establishing and multiplying. You should therefore be particularly careful not to damage the protective acid mantle of the vagina, for example with strong soaps or intimate sprays.

B streptococci symptoms

Between 10 and 30 percent of pregnant women carry GBS without feeling any symptoms. The only indications of an infection are increased, yellowish discharge or a sudden urinary tract infection or membrane inflammation.

Complications of streptococcal infection in pregnancy

The bacteria do not pose a great danger to the mother, since her trained immune system can effectively fight streptococci. It is different with the newborn baby, to which the bacteria can be transmitted at birth.

The probability of streptococci being transmitted to the baby at birth is around one to two percent and is fortunately very low. However, the risk is slightly increased by a few factors:

  • Preterm labor (before 37 weeks gestation )
  • The amniotic sac ruptures and more than 18 hours pass before delivery
  • Elevated temperature (over 37.8 degrees Celsius) at birth
  • You have already given birth to a child with GBS

There is an increased mortality rate in infants with GBS. Many of the babies start showing symptoms a few hours after birth. You are pale and breathing irregularly. In addition, pneumonia and meningitis may occur, which may be followed by neurological damage. However, symptoms can still appear up to six weeks after birth. The infants then develop a fever and suffer from vomiting and excessive sleepiness.

So even if the risk of infection for your baby is rather low, you should have yourself tested for GBS shortly before the expected date of birth.

Treat and prevent group B streptococci

Unfortunately, there is no reliable prophylaxis. You can keep your immune system strong and healthy with a healthy diet and sufficient relaxation so that it can defend itself against the streptococcus. If a GBS infection is troubling you, after consultation with your doctor, a therapy with antibiotics will be started, which kills the harmful bacteria. However, this is no guarantee that the bacteria will not settle again later.

Especially if you belong to the risk group, i.e. have had a urinary tract infection caused by streptococci or gave birth to a child infected with GBS, you should have yourself tested between the 35th and 37th week of pregnancy. A positive finding will be noted in your maternity record. To be on the safe side, the doctors will then start antibiotic therapy at birth and examine the newborn closely, so that you can have peace of mind.

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