Understanding Strep B Vaginal Infection Symptoms

For Every Birth. For Every Baby. For Every Family.

What you’ll find in this guide:

• What is strep b and how it affects pregnant women and newborns.
• Common Strep B vaginal infection symptoms and strep b symptoms in pregnancy.
• Symptoms of Group B Strep infection in newborn babies and when to seek urgent medical care.
• The risks of strep B in pregnancy, during labour, and after birth.
• How Strep B is diagnosed, including routine screening during pregnancy.
• Available treatment options and how Strep B is managed during labour and delivery.
• How failures in care can lead to Group B Strep negligence claims.
• Answers to frequently asked questions about Strep B vaginal infection symptoms and making a Group B Strep negligence claim.

Pregnancy is a time of anticipation and joy, but it can also bring concerns and health-related issues. One such concern is Group B Streptococcus, often referred to as Strep B. This bacterial infection, while usually harmless in adults, can have serious implications when transmitted to newborns during childbirth. Understanding strep b vaginal infection symptoms is crucial, especially for expectant mothers.

In this article, we will explore the signs and symptoms of strep b in pregnancy or after birth, and what you need to know to protect both yourself and your baby.

What is Strep B?

Strep B, is a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal and genital tracts of healthy adults. While it usually doesn’t cause any symptoms or problems in adults, it can pose a significant risk to newborns if transmitted during childbirth.

Strep B Symptoms

Strep B symptoms can be subtle or entirely absent, making it challenging to diagnose without proper testing. Therefore, it’s essential to be vigilant and undergo necessary screenings during pregnancy, as this may help detect the bacteria.

Here are some signs that may indicate the presence of Strep B:

• Premature labour: Women who are carriers of Strep B may be at an increased risk of premature labour or giving birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This can result in complications for both the mother and the baby.
• Fever: If you develop a fever during labour or shortly after giving birth, it could be a sign of Strep B infection.
• Bacterial infection in the newborn: One of the most significant concerns with Strep B is the potential transmission to the newborn during childbirth.

Does group B Strep cause any vaginal symptoms?

We know of no good evidence that carrying GBS causes vaginal symptoms.

Even when GBS bacteria are grown from a sample taken from the vagina, this only means that GBS bacteria were present in the vagina when the swab was taken. It does not mean that GBS is the cause of any symptoms that prompted the test being done.

Strep B Symptoms in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, some women may experience symptoms associated with Group B Strep, but these are not always present. It is essential to be aware of the following Strep B symptoms in pregnancy:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Some pregnant women with Strep B may develop UTIs, which can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, and cloudy or bloody urine.
• Pelvic Pain: In some cases, Strep B may cause pelvic pain or discomfort.

Signs of Strep B in a Newborn

Not only do women experience Strep B symptoms, but newborns can contract it too. Some of the signs of Strep B in a newborn include:

• Fever
• Problems feeding
• Breathing issue
• Floppiness or being unresponsive
• Changes in skin colour or blotchy skin
• Unusual heart rate

It’ s essential to seek immediate medical attention if your newborn displays any Strep B symptoms.

What are the Risks of Strep B in pregnancy?

If you have Strep B symptoms in pregnancy and Strep B has been confirmed, most babies will be born completely healthy. However, there is a small risk that Strep B could spread to your baby during labour and result in them becoming unwell. There is also an extremely small risk that you could miscarry or lose your baby.

How is Strep B Diagnosed?

To protect both yourself and your baby, you may be able to undergo a Strep B test during your pregnancy, typically around weeks 35 to 37. This involves a swab of the vaginal and rectal areas which is sent for testing to establish whether Strep B vaginal infection symptoms and bacteria are present.

How is Strep B Treated?

If you test positive for Strep B in pregnancy, you may need extra care and treatment. This may include changing your birth plan and giving birth in hospital. Your healthcare provider may also recommend administering antibiotics during labour to reduce the risk of transmission to the newborn.

In some cases, it may be necessary to stay in hospital for at least 12 hours after birth so your baby can be monitored.

Group B Strep Negligence Claims

Knowing the Strep B vaginal infection symptoms and understanding what this means can help safeguard your health and the health of your baby.

While not all pregnant women with Strep B experience symptoms, being aware of potential signs and undergoing testing can make a significant difference. Early detection and proper medical care can ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth, allowing you to embrace the joy of motherhood with confidence.

If you think you may have been improperly diagnosed or received substandard care related to a Strep B infection, you may be eligible to make a group b strep negligence  claim.

A Group B Strep negligence claim may arise if warning signs were missed, antibiotics were not given during labour, or concerns raised by parents were ignored. Many families successfully pursue Group B Strep (GBS) claims where substandard care leads to injury to the baby or complications for the mother. Contact our specialist team today for advice.

To speak to us about making a Group B Strep negligence claim, get in touch today.