Evidence Based Birth® EBB 254 - Evidence on Group B Strep in Pregnancy
Feb 8, 2023
This podcast dives into the critical topic of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy. It explores the significance of GBS testing and the use of antibiotics during labor, weighing their pros and cons. Discover how GBS affects newborn health and the implications of antibiotic treatments on infant microbiomes. The discussion also sheds light on global screening practices and the associated risks of GBS-related illnesses, providing a comprehensive understanding of this important issue.
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Overview of Group B Strep
- Group B Strep (GBS) commonly colonizes about 18% of pregnant people globally without causing illness.
- If untreated during labor, there is a 1-2% chance that the newborn will develop serious early-onset GBS disease.
Global Approaches to Prevent GBS
- Two main global approaches prevent early GBS disease: universal screening versus risk-based treatment.
- Universal screening at 36-37 weeks with antibiotics reduces infant GBS risks more than the risk-based approach.
GBS Disease Impact and Prevention
- Early GBS disease causes significant infant death globally, especially in low-resource countries.
- Antibiotics during labor have drastically reduced infant GBS deaths in high-resource settings.