- Beta strep is present in men and women, often living in the orifice regions of the mouth, vagina and rectum. A woman who is a carrier of beta strep has an increased risk of passing the bacteria to the baby during delivery.
- Most diagnoses of beta strep is done during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women should have a group B strep test (swab test) during the 35th to 37th week's gestation.
- Beta strep infection generally occurs with no symptoms, but when they are present they include fever during labor, blood in urine, pain while urinating and an increased need to go.
- If a pregnant female tests positive for beta strep in the third trimester, antibiotics will be administered during labor and delivery to help prevent the transfer of bacteria to the infant.
- Beta strep passed on to an infant during labor and delivery increases the risk of infection, which can be life threatening if not treated.
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