In response to Marti’s question, "Kelli, what is the one thing about Group B Strep that you wish every pregnant woman and every healthcare professional understood?"
I wish every pregnant woman and every healthcare professional understood that a negative Group B Strep screening test does not eliminate the risk of Group B Strep disease*.* GBS colonization can change after screening, and while current screening and intrapartum antibiotics have saved thousands of babies’ lives, they do not prevent every case. Every newborn must still be carefully assessed, and any signs of illness should be treated with urgency because early-onset GBS disease can progress with remarkable speed.
Thank you,
Kelli Smith
Kelli Smith, MBA
434-466-7311
CHIFA profile: Kelli Smith is a stay-at-home mother based in the United States. kelliray13 AT gmail.com