How is GBS treated?
You might have heard healthcare providers speak about GBS or GBS transmission during labor. But what is GBS and how do we go about protecting babies from exposure? Let us break it down together.
What is GBS?
GBS, otherwise known as Group Beta Streptococcus, is a bacteria that is part of a person’s normal flora. It is often present in a healthy person’s gut and vaginal flora and does not typically cause illnesses.
Can The Baby Get GBS?
Babies can sometimes be exposed to GBS during birth if a mother is carrying it. Fortunately, though, the transmission rate of GBS is low and does not cause serious illness in all babies.
The transmission risk can increase due to a few factors. These include:
- Multiple vaginal exams
- Early artificial rupture of membranes
- Prolonged labor with open waters
- Fever during labor
- Having a history of a previous child with GBS
Another risk factor is prematurity, which we rarely see at the birth center since we mostly cater to full-term, healthy pregnancies.
What are the risks of GBS?
While transmission is rare, GBS is one of the most common causes of infections in newborns. It can cause several illnesses including
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Sepsis
Early symptoms of GBS infection include a very irritable or a very lethargic baby, breathing problems, fever, seizures, and high blood pressure.
How is GBS treated?
In the medical model of care, every GBS-positive woman receives intravenous antibiotics during labor to prevent transmission to the newborn.
However, at the birth center, you can decide whether or not this is the right option. We use Hibiclens rinses and water birth to minimize GBS transmission, but you can also utilize antibiotics.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!