How To Prevent Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
When you’re pregnant, one of the routine antenatal tests your doctor or midwife may prescribe is for group B streptococcus (also known as ‘group B strep’ or ‘GBS’).
What is group B strep?
Group B strep is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines, rectum, urethra or vagina. Many women have it, and it usually causes no health concerns or symptoms. Some women infected with group B strep get a urinary tract infection, and it increases the risk of a miscarriage only very slightly.
The main concern is passing it on to the baby before or during a vaginal birth. While many babies who get infected stay healthy, a small proportion (about 1 in 200) become very sick within the first few days of life. They get serious infections such as pneumonia and blood poisoning, or meningitis, which is an infection around the brain.
These seriously ill babies are treated with intravenous antibiotics. Most recover with no side-effects, but some don’t survive.
The group B strep test involves taking a swab of the inside of the vagina. Your doctor or midwife will do this, or you may be able to do it yourself. The swab is taken at 35 to 37 weeks' pregnancy. Tests done earlier in your pregnancy aren’t a good guide to your condition at birth because the bacteria can come and go.
If your group B test at 35 to 37 weeks is positive, your doctor or midwife will probably recommend you have intravenous antibiotics when your waters break or labour starts.
An alternative to antibiotics, is following the below prophylactic protocol from the start of the third trimester. Following these steps may help prevent the colonisation of GBS.
And if you do test positive for GBS, follow the suggested elimination protocol below to help eliminate the presence and proliferation of bacteria.
Both protocols have been designed by a qualified and experienced nutritionist.
A Prophylactic Protocol
Outlined below are beneficial measures pregnant women can take in the third trimester to help prevent the colonisation of GBS or group B streptococcus.
Consume fermented foods that are rich in beneficial bacteria daily. These are sold in the refrigerated section of health food stores, not on supermarket shelves in vinegar or brine. Sauerkraut, kimchi, traditionally fermented pickles or relish, any fermented vegetables, plain organic yoghurt or kefir if you tolerate dairy.
Take a high potency probiotic to support the growth of healthy flora in the intestinal tract and birth canal.
Wear 100% cotton underwear and avoid such synthetic fabrics as nylon and lycra as they hold moisture close to the skin, encouraging the growth of bacteria. It’s best to wear natural, breathable fabrics and avoid thong underwear.
Raw apple cider vinegar contains organic acetic acid which inhibits the growth of bacteria. Consume ½ tsp before meals. Dilute with filtered water if you prefer.
Coconut oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Consume 2+ tablespoons a day, starting with ½ tbsp and increasing the amount daily to allow your body to adjust. Coconut oil can also safely be inserted vaginally by coating a tampon with the oil and inserting it at night.
As mentioned in previous articles, eliminate foods that encourage the growth of pathogenic bacteria, especially refined sugar and white flours. In the event of a positive GBS test result (which are often a routine antenatal test), you may also wish to consider reducing higher sugar foods such as natural sweeteners like maple syrup and tropical fruits.
An Elimination Protocol
Follow these steps, in addition to the prophylactic protocol outlined above, if you’ve tested positive for GBS to help eliminate the presence and proliferation of bacteria.
Consume a few cloves or minced raw garlic daily. Swallow straight with water or add uncooked garlic to prepared foods. Fresh garlic is preferred over supplementing with garlic pills as they may have a blood thinning effect. Garlic inserted vaginally is also recommended for treating a GBS colonisation, although it may only temporarily suppress a positive result. The clove should be cut open and inserted at night to be effective.
Dilute ¼ cup raw apple cider vinegar in a sitz bath or shallow bath three times a week, or rinse with apple cider vinegar daily.
Vitamin C is beneficial throughout pregnancy and for all pregnant women, however extra care should be taken to consume vitamin C daily if GBS is a concern. 1000-2000mg in split doses.
During labour such things as vaginal exams, internal fetal monitoring, the application of cervical ripeners, membrane stripping/sweeping, and the artificial rupture of membranes can increase the risk of infection and encourage the upward movement of bacteria.
N.B. This information is designed to be used in conjunction with, and is not a substitute for, the advice of your doctor or health care practitioner.