Pregnancy is not only a time of joyful expectation, but also a lot of tests and examinations. Some of them sound incomprehensible and even frightening. One of these is screening for group B streptococcus, or GBS.
Many women hear this abbreviation for the first time already in the third trimester and begin to worry. What kind of bacteria is this? How is it dangerous? In fact, you shouldn't panic. This is a routine test that helps prevent possible complications and protect the baby's health.
What is GBS and why is it checked?
Group B streptococcus is a fairly common bacterium. It can live in the intestines, urinary tract, or vagina of absolutely healthy women without showing itself in any way. According to various sources, every fourth pregnant woman is a carrier of GBS.
For the woman herself, this bacterium is usually harmless. But during childbirth, it can be transmitted to a child passing through the birth canal. In newborns, especially premature babies, the immune system is still very weak, and GBS can cause serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis.
How and when the
GBS test is performed is usually performed at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy. This is a simple and painless procedure. The doctor takes a swab from the vagina and rectum using a cotton swab. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for seeding.
The result is usually ready in a few days. If the test is positive, it does not mean that the woman is sick or that something is bound to happen to the child. It simply means that she is a carrier of the bacterium, and doctors need to take preventive measures during childbirth.
What to do if the test is positive
A positive GBS test result is not a diagnosis, but just information for doctors. The action plan in this case has been worked out for a long time and is very effective.
As soon as a woman goes into labor or runs out of water, she begins to receive antibiotics intravenously. This is usually penicillin. Antibiotics have time to act, reducing the number of bacteria in the birth canal and thereby minimizing the risk of infection of the child to almost zero. It is important to understand several points:
- It is pointless to take antibiotics in advance, before giving birth. The bacterium may come back again.
- Therapy is aimed at protecting the child, not at treating the mother.
- If a woman is allergic to penicillin, the doctor will select another suitable antibiotic.
This simple preventive measure is the gold standard worldwide.
Knowledge is power
Screening for group B streptococcus is a great example of how modern medicine can prevent serious problems with a simple and timely analysis. He gives peace of mind to the expectant mother and confidence to the doctors.
Do not be afraid of this test or its possible positive result. This is just a way to take care of the most precious thing — the health of a newborn baby. Awareness and trust in your doctor are the best companions on the way to a happy motherhood. The welcome bonus structure is designed to suit both beginners and experienced bettors. Bonus funds can be used on pre-match and live betting markets, giving users the freedom to test different strategies. The inclusion of the 1xbet official promo code ensures that all new-player privileges are activated automatically, making the first betting experience smoother and more rewarding compared to a standard registration without promotional access.