How Does a Mother Get Beta Strep?

Beta strep, also known as group B strep and GBS, is a naturally occurring bacteria found in the vaginal and rectal regions of approximately 15 to 20 percent of women.

Significance

• Beta strep is present in men and women, often living in the orifice regions of the mouth, vagina and rectum. A woman who is a carrier of beta strep has an increased risk of passing the bacteria to the baby during delivery.

Diagnosis

• Most diagnoses of beta strep is done during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women should have a group B strep test (swab test) during the 35th to 37th week's gestation.

Symptoms

• Beta strep infection generally occurs with no symptoms, but when they are present they include fever during labor, blood in urine, pain while urinating and an increased need to go.

Treatment

• If a pregnant female tests positive for beta strep in the third trimester, antibiotics will be administered during labor and delivery to help prevent the transfer of bacteria to the infant.

Risks

• Beta strep passed on to an infant during labor and delivery increases the risk of infection, which can be life threatening if not treated.