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Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in Pregnancy
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in healthy adults is a harmless commensal bacterium (meaning, the harbour benefit from human body, but cause no harm or benefit to human beings) that is present in the gastrointestinal tract and the genital region. GBA can, however, cause an infection in people with compromised immune systems such as the elderly and newborn babies which can be fatal in some rare conditions. Most women carry and pass on GBS to their infants during delivery and more often than not, this isn’t cause for any concern.
What is Group B Streptococcus?
The Group B Streptococcus which is also known as group b strep is one of the many different types of bacteria that thrive in our bodies in the digestive, urinary and reproductive tracts. About a third of the population has GBS in their intestines without being aware of it as these streptococcus bacteria come and go out of our systems without causing any health effects. It is estimated that 25% of mothers-to-be have GBS bacteria in their vaginal tract.
What are the Causes of Group B Strep Infection In Newborns?
There are a few ways through which a mother who is GBS colonized can transmit the bacteria to her new-born. About 50% of the mothers pass on the bacteria to their baby during pregnancy and vaginal birth. However, a GBS infection is different from the normal presence of GBS in the human gastrointentinal tract. Some of the ways in which it is caused are:
A GBS urinary tract infection during pregnancy
Membrane rupture of labour before 37 weeks of gestation
Membrane rupture prior to 18 hours before delivery of infected mothers
Testing positive for GBS colonisation at 35-37 weeks
Baby is born prematurely
Infection of the placental tissue and amniotic fluid
How Someone Can Get Infected By Group B Streptococcus
The group B streptococcal bacteria are a naturally occurring microbe in the bodies of people, and their infection is not a sexually transmitted disease. These bacterial colonies come and go without showing any symptoms. Also, why some people develop serious infections with this bacteria is unknown. However, certain medical conditions that impair the immune system such as liver disease, cancer, diabetes and HIV infection are known to increase the risks. People older than 65 who live in nursing homes are also known to get infected by the group B strep.
Diagnosing Group B Strep
Pregnant women should get a group b strep test between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy as this is the period of highest risk to the newborn. The procedure for testing involves taking a vaginal and a rectal swab and sending it to a lab for a culture test. A positive result means that you carry the GBS bacteria, but it doesn’t mean you are ill or that the baby will get affected. It only means that potential risk of infection to the newborn exists and steps can be taken to protect the baby.
If you are a GBS positive mother and suspect that your baby might have an infection, a sample of the baby’s spinal fluid or blood can be sent to a lab for analysis. A positive diagnosis is given when GBS bacteria are grown from cultures of the swab samples. The results may take two to three days to arrive as the culture takes time to grow.
Group B Streptococcus Infection in Infants and Newborns
The group b streptococcus in newborns and infants come under two main categories as explained below:
Early-onset: The common type of infection, the early onset of group B strep occurs anywhere from the first 24 hours to the first week of life. According to studies 90% of babies who get an early onset of the infection show signs of sickness within the first 24 hours.
Late-onset: This accounts for half of the cases where the GBS infection baby shows symptoms from the first week to the first three months of life, the symptoms for both the cases being more or less the same involving fever, difficulty in feeding, unusual body temperatures etc.
Symptoms of Group B Streptococcus
The signs of an infection can show up anytime from the first 24 hours to up to a week or even three months later. Whether you were tested positive for GBS or not, it is important to monitor the baby for any unusual behaviour or changes such as poor feeding, vomiting, fever, extreme irritability etc.
The symptoms of streptococcus bacteria infection for both early and late onset are almost similar. The symptoms include
Difficulty in breathing
Fever
Difficulty feeding
Lethargy; where the baby is hard to wake up
Unusual limpness
Extreme stiffness
Unusual irritability
Unstable body temperatures
Seizures
Group B Strep Treatment for Mothers & Babies
The group B strep in infants and mothers can be treated effectively using a course of antibiotics. If tested positive for the bacteria, the mother will be put on a dose of antibiotics a few hours before going into labour. Ideally the antibiotics are given four hours before giving birth via a drip into a vein in the back of the hand. In case of infants, there are several factors that determine the administration of antibiotics. The factors are:
If both the baby and the mother are healthy and the mother had full treatments with antibiotics during labour, the baby won’t need them.
If the mother didn’t receive antibiotics during labour, the baby can be started a course until it is given an all-clear.
If the baby displays symptoms of a GBS infection, it will be started on antibiotics immediately.
How Can Group B Strep Be Prevented During Pregnancy?
There is no way to prevent infection by the GBS bacteria during pregnancy and currently there are no vaccines available for it either. The only effective way to lower the risk factor is to get tested for GBS between 35 to 37 weeks and get antibiotics administered before labour on the doctor’s advice. Women who test positive for GBS and get antibiotics during labour have only a 1 in 4000 chance of having a baby with GBS infection, while those who do not get antibiotics have a 1 in 200 chance of the same.
Risks of GBS Bacteria for Mother and Baby
GBS bacteria cause the group B strep disease in infants which, for both early and late onset, can have long term repercussions. The infection most commonly causes sepsis (Infection of the blood stream) and pneumonia (infection and inflammation of the lungs). The highest risk comes from meningitis (infection of the fluid that surrounds the brain), as babies who survive meningitis can have long term problems such as deafness, blindness and developmental disorders.
In pregnant women, GBS infection can cause urinary tract infection, infection in the uterus and placenta, preterm delivery, miscarriages and foetal death.
What Can be the Complications of Taking Antibiotics?
One of the most commonly administered group B streptococcus antibiotics is penicillin. Penicillin works well for most people but some can experience side effects such as rashes, diarrhoea and nausea. Some women can have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to penicillin which can be fatal in extremely rare cases (about 1 in 100,000). In cases of allergy to penicillin, alternative group b strep antibiotics during labour such as clindamycin might be administered.
The antibiotics can upset the balance of healthy bacteria in the baby’s tummy and hence doctors are extra cautious about administering medication to babies. Some prefer to wait for 12 hours or more before starting a course of antibiotics in case it is necessary.
Are GBS Tests Accurate?
A lab culture test for GBS can accurately determine the presence of an infection but the results take a few days to become available. Some hospitals offer rapid GBS tests that can be done during labour and the results are delivered in an hour or more, but the accuracy of the rapid tests are low. The best way is to screen for GBS between 35 to 37 weeks.
What if Your Test for Group B Strep is Positive?
Testing positive for group B strep while pregnant doesn’t necessarily mean that your baby will catch the infection too. You may test positive early on in the pregnancy and negative toward the end and vice-versa. If you do test positive toward the end of your pregnancy, it’s best to discuss the birth plan and measures to be taken to protect the baby with your doctor.
Always ensure that you get yourself screened for different illnesses or diseases during your pregnancy. A Group B strep might not be harmful to your baby, but it is always better to be safe and get yourself the best care possible. Read more
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The Easiest Way To Do a Perfect Home Manicure In 8 Quick Steps!
The elegance of perfectly manicured, beautiful hands is unmatched. But maintaining them all the time - especially while running around behind kids and managing house chores - seems next to impossible! Those monthly manicure sessions at the salon are sure to add up to the cost and time that you don’t have to spare. So, is there a solution?
Yes - a home manicure! You don’t have to compromise on having healthy and beautiful hands; you can just get a manicure at home! With these simple steps you can imitate a salon-like manicure at home in 15 minutes, all the while saving a ton of money.
What You Need
Nail Polish Remover
Cotton Buds
Soft Towel
Nail Filer and Nail cutter
Moisturising Hand Lotion
Nail Polish
Shallow Bowl
Warm Water
Cuticle Cream and Stick
Base Coat and Top Coat
Anti-bacterial Liquid Hand Soap
Getting Started
Step 1: Prep Time
Remove your nail polish (if any) with a cotton bud and nail polish remover. Wash your hands with soapy water.
Step 2: Trim It All
Use a nail cutter to trim your nails, if required. Then, shape them using a nail filer. Move the filer smoothly in one direction, moving from one end towards the other. Do not saw back and forth.
Step 3: Time To Relax
Fill up a shallow bowl with warm water and a few drops of anti-bacterial liquid soap. It’s time to relax - soak your fingers in this water to soften cuticles before gently patting them dry. Remember, as tempting as it may be, over soaking your fingers can cause harm to your skin - so keep it to 3 minutes or less!
Step 4: Time for Some Cuticle Care
Apply cuticle cream liberally and start pushing back the cuticles gently using a cuticle stick. Remember to not go overboard. Any free edge of the cuticle needs to be trimmed and not torn off - it’s not only painful, but will also rip off the cuticle bed that protects your nails from bacteria and infections. Wash your hands with clean, warm water once you’re done.
Step 5: The Most Important Step - Moisturizing
Apply some hand cream and massage your hands well till the cream is absorbed completely. Before moving on to the next step, wipe off excess cream from your nails gently using a cotton bud.
Step 6: Build Your Base
Apply a base coat - preferably with a nail strengthening formula and let it dry for a few minutes.
Step 7: Time For Some Colour
Pick your favourite nail colour and start applying it to your nails. Keep in mind the three strokes method - one stroke in the center of the nail before two strokes on the side! Take your time and apply the nail polish smoothly for minimal mess. Nevertheless, keep some cotton buds dipped in nail polish remover handy.
Step 8: Stay Safe With a Second Coat
Once the first coat dries (ideally in 10 minutes), apply a second coat in the same way. Make your nail polish last longer with another top coat. Keep in mind to let the previous coat dry completely to avoid smudges!
And you’re done! Time to show off your pretty manicure! Weekly manicures at home are sure to keep your hands looking beautifully elegant at all times. Now, let your hands do the talking with their shine!
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A Wake-Up Call for All Mums and Dads - Some Alarming Situations Your Child May be Facing!!!
Parenting is one of the greatest showers of bliss to us. It is indeed a very tough and challenging act. Life has become more of a roller coaster ride for us these days. Hectic and busy schedules sometimes leave parents unaware of certain situations their children are going through, due to which they may develop stress, resulting into exacerbating mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, thinking problems, and personality changes.
In this article, I have tried to pen down some real instances that have resulted into drastic and severe behavioural changes in a child.
SIBLING JEALOUSY - The class teacher has been observing irritable attitudes in the behaviour of Shreya since the past few weeks. She has withdrawn herself from all activities that gave her pleasure. On asking, she exclaimed, "My mummy has brought a new baby. I have to sleep with my ‘dadi’. I don’t like it."
HIDING TEST SCORES - Shushant, a boy just in grade 3 scores less marks in maths test. The teacher caught him changing the marks in the paper. On being questioned, he was in tears and said, "Papa will hit me badly for scoring less marks".
DENIAL FOR SCHOOL, A CLOSE RELATIVE’S HOUSE OR A VENDOR’S SHOP VISIT ALONE -Sakshi, the 8-year-old used to bring milk from the nearby shop daily whenever sent by her mom. From the last few days, she started behaving very awkwardly whenever she was asked to go. Her mom would scold her on the top of her voice, thinking that she was showing a lackadaisical attitude. She could never tell her mum about the bad touch she had to face, whenever she visited the shop.
COMPARISONS - Anjali’s dad is a proud parent of his daughter. She is a class topper, all-rounder, and a very confident girl. He boasts about her in front of friends, relatives, and teachers. His sibling Arvind, an average child feels neglected always, as he is never encouraged, only compared!
MOM-DAD FIGHTS - Abhinav, a five-year-old, has a Kashmiri mom and Muslim dad. Due to two different cultures, his mom and dad usually fight daily. This has affected the child traumatically. He doesn’t want to leave the house feeling the insecurity that dad would beat up mom and would take her to court. Loud voices and angry words make the poor thing so scared!
EXCESSIVE USE OF SMARTPHONES BY PARENTS - Ananya is often found complaining to the teacher that her mom is on her smartphone all day, on being asked by the teacher for not completing her homework daily. She feels very unimportant and is developing a hyperactive and frustrated behaviour as her parents have no time to interact with her!
ISOLATION - Anirudh’s dad is a manager in a private bank and his mom works in a private company. He opens the locked house, when he goes back from the school at 2.30. Since both parents come home at 7 o'clock, most of the time he watches TV or plays games on his smartphone. At times, he feels very isolated, and one day, he downloaded a game that could have been life threatening for him. Luckily, Narvind, his cousin visited him for two days and could save him from being trapped, by informing his parents about the same at the right time!
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
Dear parents, children are the most precious gifts of God to us. Let us all try to be more aware, watchful, attentive, and circumspect for their right upbringing...
Give them maximum hours of togetherness.
Give them space to share and talk to you.
Never turn a blind eye or deaf ear to their often brusque and snappish behaviour.
Be closely attuned to your kids, leaving away smartphones as much as possible.
Never compare two siblings!
Every child is talented and special in his own way.
Please do not fight before your kids! They feel scared, sad, and insecure.
Don’t be too strict with them.
Do not leave them isolated. Isolation leads to depression and insanity.
Educate them about good touch and bad touch.
Last but not least, hug them as many times as you can.
Wishing you all a Happy Parenting!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Review - Babyhug Soft and Affordable Cushioned Toilet Seats with Handle for Todlers
It is exciting for a mother to step into the next milestone with her baby. My Daughter turned 1 in September and I started noticing she gives a lot of trouble while changing her Pampers. Life is way more hectic than I thought it would be.
The other day I was surfing the net and came across this attractive Pink cartoon character toilet seats for baby from the brand Babyhug and trust me this cute pink soft cushioned cartoon character toilet seat has made one thing simple for me now. The design is so attractive that my baby went and got her story book of sleepy kittens as soon as I unpacked it.
I brought this to try if it could help. When received it, its Best feature are, It has handles on both sides so that the baby gets full support while sitting on it. It is light in weight and easy to carry. It is anti skid and has a universal design to fit on all western toilets. This toilet seat is non toxic, light weight and portable. Its very easy to use by just placing it securely on top of a adult toilet seat. It has soft cushioned seat and made of strong material hence its very durable. The seat is with a non-slip base and is really useful. It's easy to maintain, can be cleaned with mild water and sanitizer. And I should really thank Baby hug for the ergonomic design provided for the baby toilet seat as well.
Can be use for a 10 month old baby onwards once they get balance of sitting straight. I am fully convinced and happy with this product and I personally recommend this Babyhug Soft and Affordable Cushioned Toilet Seats with Handleas which makes potty training easy job and not a difficult task. Read more
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
2 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
2 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. I cannot assist you on that because other things are also associated with the particular particular report so I think it’s better that once a gynaecologist is available she’s going to take up your query and she will be able to give you a better clarity as per the situation
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Please do not take any medicine without consulting with your gynaecologist. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Actually on the ovulation time only you can conceive so yes if things are right with you you can go ahead with the conception but with what the details you have mentioned it would be better to have a discussion with your gynaecologist prior to you proceed to your ovulation and conception
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
39 mins ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
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