Re: Group B Strep in pregnancy

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Group B Strep (GBS) is a known infectious agent in the newborn. It migrates from the colon into the vagina, usually at the outer part of the vagina.

At time of c-section you will usually receive antibiotics after the baby is delivered, but this will not cover the baby. Since this organism is usually picked up by the baby as it comes out of the vagina there is a decreased risk of the baby getting infected by cesarian delivery. But, you have a history of GBS in your previous pregnancy, so it may not be a bad idea to give you two doses of penicillin, four hours apart, before the c-section (assuming your are not allergic to penicillin). Alternatively, the pediatricians should be notified, for they may want to treat the baby prophylatically (preventitively) or keep close observations of the baby after culturing it's blood, urine, etc.

You should not need antibiotic until you go into labor or just before the c-section. This may just lead to creating resistant organisms the would be much tougher to treat and cause increased morbidity (sickeness, medical problems) for your baby.

Good luck.

--
Richard Chudacoff, MD
Baylor College of Medicine
BaylorMedCare
Houston/Sugar Land, TX

Advisory Board-OBGYN.net
http://www.obgyn.net/board/chudacoff.htm

*Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purpose only.
This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options.

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