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The Curious Bag
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Many bacteria live naturally on and in the human body; according to Microbiology and Immunology Online, some women have naturally occurring beta (group B) strep bacteria in their normal vaginal bacteria.
Features
It is possible to be colonized with strep B (and other bacteria), meaning that the bacteria live on or in a person but do not cause disease in that person, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Significance
Between 10 and 30 percent of pregnant women are colonized with beta strep bacteria, says the University of Michigan Health System.
Causes
A pregnant woman who develops disease because of beta strep may have another chronic illness, a risk factor for developing beta strep disease, according to the Directors of Health Promotion and Education.
Effects
Symptoms of beta strep disease in a pregnant woman include fever over 100 degrees during labor and urination that is painful, bloody, frequent or urgent, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Considerations
In order to minimize the chances of passing beta strep onto to the child, the University of Michigan Health System reports that women should be screened for the bacteria prior to labor.
Source:
Microbiology and Immunology Online: Streptococci
University of Michigan Health System:
Directors of Health Promotion and Education: Group B Streptococcus Facts
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