Grieving Mother Calls For Group B Strep Tests For Pregnant Women

Group B Strep: A Grieving Mother's Call for Routine Testing

Understanding Group B Strep Infections

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a bacteria that can cause serious infections in pregnant women and newborns. GBS is commonly found in the digestive and genital tracts of adults, and it can be passed from a mother to her baby during labor and delivery.

While GBS infections are usually mild in adults, they can be life-threatening for newborns. Infants infected with GBS can develop pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis.

Routine Testing During Pregnancy

Routine screening for GBS is recommended by expert groups for all pregnant women at 36 weeks of gestation. This test involves taking a swab from the vagina and rectum to check for the presence of GBS bacteria.

If you test positive for GBS, your doctor will likely recommend antibiotics during labor to prevent the infection from passing to your baby. Antibiotics are highly effective in preventing GBS infections in newborns.

A Grieving Mother's Plea

A grieving mother has called for routine testing for GBS after her baby became critically ill with a GBS infection. The mother, whose baby was born prematurely and died a few days later, believes that routine testing could have saved her child's life.

Her plea has raised awareness about the importance of GBS testing and has prompted calls for increased screening among pregnant women.

Conclusion

Group B streptococcus infections are a serious threat to newborns. Routine testing during pregnancy is the best way to prevent these infections and protect your baby's health.

If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about GBS testing. This simple test could save your baby's life.