Group B Streptococci – Midwives Lelystad

There is a lot to deal with during your pregnancy and sometimes it seems like you have to navigate through a maze of information. ⁢Don't worry, we're here to help you! Today we want to talk about a topic that is important for both you and your unborn baby: Group B Streptococcus, or GBS. This may sound a bit scary, but with the right knowledge and preparation you can ensure that your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible. So, with a cup of tea, let's dive into the world of GBS. and find out what you need to know!

What are group ⁣B streptococci⁣ (GBS)?

Group ⁢B streptococci (GBS) are bacteria that are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and genital area of ​​healthy adults. Although these bacteria are usually harmless, they can sometimes cause complications during pregnancy and childbirth. About 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women carry GBS, usually without knowing it. That is why it is important to pay attention to GBS during your pregnancy.

Although most women with GBS experience ⁤no symptoms, the bacteria can be transmitted to the baby during childbirth. This can lead to serious infections such as sepsis, pneumonia or meningitis. To prevent this, midwives will often offer a GBS test between the 35th and 37th week of pregnancy. The test is simple and painless. The result of the test determines whether antibiotics are needed during childbirth. Here are some ‍ important facts about GBS:

• • It occurs in 1 in 4 women

• • It‌ may be asymptomatic

• • Treatment is simple with antibiotics

How common is GBS in pregnant women?

Group B Streptococci (GBS) are a normal part of the vaginal and intestinal flora in women, including pregnant women. At approximately ⁢ 20-30% of pregnant women are found to have GBS. Although it causes no symptoms in most women, it can cause complications during childbirth and the newborn. That is why it is important to pay attention to this during pregnancy.

It's good to know that the chance of infection in the baby is small. Fortunately, there are preventive measures that have proven to be effective. ⁤ If GBS is found in you, you can be given antibacterial medication during ⁤the birth. This ensures that the transfer of bacteria to your baby is virtually nil. Let's look at some important⁣ numbers:

• • 20-30% of pregnant women carry GBS.

• • Antibiotics during childbirth minimizes risks.

• • Screening takes place around 35-37 weeks of pregnancy.

What is the risk of a newborn baby developing GBS disease?

In the Netherlands⁤, the bacterium Group B Streptococcus ⁢(GBS)⁢is found in approximately 10-30%⁢ of pregnant women. Although many women are carriers, this does not automatically mean that their baby will develop GBS disease. Fortunately, the chance that a newborn baby will actually develop GBS disease is quite small, approximately 1 in 1000 babies born. However, when a mother is a carrier of GBS and no preventive measures are taken, the risk increases.

There are several factors that may influence the chance that a newborn baby will develop GBS disease. These include:

• • Prolonged rupture of membranes (more than 18⁤ hours before delivery)

• • Premature birth (before the 37th week of pregnancy)

• • Previous⁤ baby with GBS disease

• • Fever during childbirth

Although the risk is small, these factors point out the importance of careful monitoring and possible antibiotic treatment during delivery to minimize this risk.

How⁢can⁣a⁣child become infected and ill (infected)?

Group B streptococci (GBS) ⁣ can be present unnoticed by the mother during pregnancy, but pose a risk to the baby during delivery. How exactly does this happen? In fact, the baby can come into contact with these bacteria during birth as he/she passes through the birth canal. Although many babies do not show any symptoms, some babies can become ill from a GBS infection. ⁢This can cause ⁣serious complications such as sepsis or meningitis.

In addition, there are ⁣some other⁣ factors‌ that can increase the chance of an ⁣infection. For example:

• • Premature birth (before 37 weeks)

• • Long duration of water rupture (more than 18 hours)

• • Mother with a previous baby with GBS infection

• • Mother with a GBS infection during pregnancy

To minimize the risks, your midwife can advise you on preventive measures. These include antibiotics during labor. Would you like to know more about what precautions you can take? Below we have listed some important points for you:

GBS disease in the child

Unfortunately, it sometimes happens that newborn babies become infected with Group B Streptococcus (GBS). This bacterium can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections. Midwife Lelystad is committed to informing expectant parents well about these possible risks and the ‍preventive‍ measures you can take⁣ to protect your child. Therefore, during your routine visits, we will discuss in detail how to recognize GBS and what preventative treatment options are. This usually includes antibiotics during delivery if you have tested positive for GBS.

We think it is important that you are well informed. That's why we've put together a reminder below:

• • Symptoms in the Baby:​ Slow⁤ breathing, low body temperature, decreased appetite.

• • Prevention: Timely screening and antibiotics during delivery if necessary.

• • Therapy:‌Direct contact with the pediatrician for appropriate medical care.

Which babies have an increased risk of becoming ill due to infection with GBS?

Not all babies run the same risk of being infected with Group B Streptococci (GBS). There are specific groups of babies who have a increased⁢ chance have to get sick. For example, babies born too early (<37 weeks) are extra vulnerable. Furthermore, there are also risk factors such as prolonged rupture of membranes (more than 18 hours) or a previous baby who has been infected with GBS. It is important to know these factors because they can help you take preventive measures.

• • High infection pressure during childbirth

• • Previous‍ children with GBS infections

• • *Prolonged rupture of membranes*

• • Premature birth (preterm)

In babies born to a mother with fever during childbirth, the risk of infection also increases. In addition, genetic factors sometimes play a role. Although not everyone is at risk, it remains important for pregnant women to take the necessary precautions. Regular check-ups and communication with the midwife can help prevent possible complications.

Research into GBS during pregnancy

Group B streptococci (GBS) are bacteria that normally occur in the digestive tract of healthy people. Although they are usually harmless for adults, they can pose risks to the unborn baby during pregnancy. ‌That's why it's crucial to know how you can be tested for this and what measures you can take.

During your pregnancy, your midwife will perform regular check-ups, in some cases conducting a GBS test. ⁢Here are some important points to keep in mind:

• • GBS test: This test is usually a vaginal and rectal swab that is quick and painless.

• • Results: The results will be available after⁤ a few days and your midwife will inform you about this.

• • Covered options: If you test positive for GBS, antibiotics during delivery can reduce the chance that your baby will become infected.

The pediatrician team‍at Midwifery Lelystad is always ‍available for⁢ questions and support. Don't forget that proactive monitoring and timely intervention are crucial for a healthy pregnancy!

Can GBS disease⁢ be prevented?

GBS is already clear before pregnancy

It is important to know in advance whether you are a carrier of the Group ⁢B Streptococci ⁣(GBS) ‌bacterium⁢ before you become pregnant, or⁤ at least in⁤ an early⁤ stage of your pregnancy. GBS It often occurs in women without experiencing any complaints. To prevent possible complications during childbirth, we recommend Midwife Lelystad It is recommended that you investigate this well in advance. The best period for this is usually between the 35th and 37th week of pregnancy. This way you can be sure that you are well prepared and you can live with peace of mind and confidence towards the birth.

In addition, an early GBS test gives you the opportunity to take any preventive measures. If ⁤you test positive for GBS, we can discuss together what steps we will take to minimize the risk of infection during childbirth. Some of these possible ‌measures⁤ are:

• • Administering antibiotics during childbirth

• • Planning an extra check-up during your pregnancy

• • Introducing specific hygiene measures

By testing in time and taking appropriate measures, you create the safest situation for you and your baby. This way you can enjoy this special time with peace of mind.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it, everything you need to know about Group B Streptococci during your pregnancy. It's certainly a lot of information to process, but remember that you are never alone. At Midwifery Lelystad we are always ready to help you with all your questions and concerns.

The most important thing to remember is that knowledge gives you power. By being well informed, you can work with us to make the right choices for you and your baby. Do you have more questions or do you just want to talk to us? ⁣Please don't hesitate to contact us. ‍We are⁣ here to support you and we do that with love and care.