Q:
I’m 39 weeks pregnant and have tested positive for group B-strep. I know our baby will be safe with antibiotics, but what if there’s no time to administer them? Although I'm planning to deliver vaginally, does a c-section eliminate the possibility of infection?
A:
Group B-Streptococcus (GBS) testing is performed between the 35th and 37th week of pregnancy, with results usually available within a week. If a patient goes into labor before the results are known (which usually means before the 37th week of pregnancy) we assume she’s GBS positive and recommend treatment during labor.
If you have such a rapid delivery that you don’t have time to receive antibiotics, a pediatrician will evaluate the baby and decide if treatment should be initiated. Treatment after delivery can also be an effective means of preventing GBS infection in a newborn.
Having a cesarean section doesn’t eliminate the possibility of a baby developing GBS. However in certain circumstances—if the c-section is performed without labor and while the amniotic sac is intact—it will reduce the likelihood. If the amniotic sac is broken, though, bacteria—including GBS—can reach the baby and cause an infection, regardless of the type of delivery. In extremely rare cases, GBS finds its way into an unbroken amniotic sac.
Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.
