After my last week check up with Dr Irene, I was suggested to do a Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test. Sounds too scientific? Well, it’s a type of bacteria that can be found in the vagina or lower intestine. About 1 in 5 women carries this bacteria. Being a carrier doesn’t mean you have an infection. In most cases women who are GBS carriers remain healthy. However, if a woman is pregnant, she can pass the GBS to the baby during delivery.
Babies whose mothers are GBS carriers, get the bacteria from the mother and therefore become colonised as well. This happen when the membranes break (water bag bursts), thus exposing the baby to the GBS in the birth canal, or when the baby swallows the bacteria while passing through the birth canal during vaginal delivery.
My result for GBS came out positive today :(
Dr Irene reassured me that this is nothing alarming, at least 30% women had this and there only 1-2% of these colonised babies can develop a GBS infection. The majority (98-99%) of these babies remain completely healthy. She said I’ll be given antibiotics during labour. Giving antibiotics will decrease the risk of infections in the baby.
I feel better after hearing this, and Dr Irene’s confidence and reassurance gave me the peace of mind that I much needed. I know I’ll be in good hands.
I pray my little baby angel came out safe & healthy.
Note: GBS info adapted from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
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