Preventing GBS Infection in Newborns
Although GBS infection in newborns is uncommon, healthcare professionals take various precautions to minimize the risk. This is particularly important if a mother has previously given birth to a baby with GBS and is going into labor again. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) advises closely monitoring the baby during the first 12 hours of life in such cases. Alternatively, hospitals may choose to administer antibiotics immediately after birth until tests confirm that the baby is free from GBS.
GBS remains susceptible to antibiotic treatments
Contrary to the concerning reports about antibiotic-resistant viruses, GBS is a type of infection that still shows positive responses to antibiotic treatments. To ensure complete eradication of the bacteria, patients typically undergo a full course of penicillin. In the case of babies, antibiotics are administered intravenously, while adults usually take them orally. Additionally, if doctors determine a high likelihood of a pregnant woman transmitting GBS to her newborn, they may opt to administer intravenous antibiotics during labor.