What is group B streptococcus (GBS) and what can it do in pregnancy?
This is bacteria that can cause serious infections in pregnant women or their babies. It is a type of streptococcus similar but not the same as the one that causes strep throat (group A streptoccus). Anyone can have GBS growing on their body but not causing any problems. This is called colonization. Colonization may be chronic or intermittent. In women it usually involves the bowel and vagina. Between 5 and 40 percent of women are colonized with GBS in this area. This is not harmful, and is usually not treated, except at the time of delivery. GBS usually causes its infections in laboring women, postpartum, or in newborns. It may cause a urinary tract infection prior to delivery but this would rarely affect the baby. Postpartum women with GBS can develop infection in areas of damaged tissue such as the lining of the uterus or a wound or in the blood. Women in labor are susceptible to infection of the sac surrounding the fetus (chorioamnionitis). Babies get GBS from contact with the bact
