Why do I need antibiotics for Strep B before having a baby?
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Diagnosis
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all pregnant women get tested for Group B Strep. The vagina and rectum are swabbed and tested in the 35th to the 37th weeks of pregnancy.
Treatment
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If you are pregnant and test positive for Group B Strep, you will need treatment with intravenous antibiotics.
High Risk
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Some problems during pregnancy that put the baby at risk for the infection are preterm labor, fever during labor and previous babies with Group B Strep.
Effects on Baby
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A baby infected by Group B Strep may have heart and blood pressure instability, labored breathing, blood infections, meningitis and pneumonia.
Seriousness
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Infection of babies with Group B Strep is rare, but if it occurs, is serious. Get proper medical care during pregnancy so you can be treated if you have the infection.
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