Final answer:
Adequate intrapartum antibiotics prophylaxis for GBS is typically given to pregnant women with a history of GBS colonization or risk factors to prevent neonatal meningitis in newborns. The prophylaxis is not universal but based on identified risks and is not exclusively for male infants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Intrapartum Antibiotics Prophylaxis for GBS
Group B streptococcus (GBS), an encapsulated gram-positive bacterium, is the leading cause of neonatal meningitis. Pregnant women who are colonized with GBS can transmit the bacteria to their baby during childbirth. A critical measure in preventing this early onset disease in newborns is the administration of adequate intrapartum antibiotics (abx prophylaxis) to the mother during labor if she has a history of GBS colonization or other risk factors
Adequate intrapartum abx prophylaxis for GBS is given based on specific criteria rather than universally to all pregnant women or only to male infants. It is particular to those mothers with known GBS colonization or with risk factors that include fever during labor or preterm delivery, which may increase the risk of transmitting GBS to the infant. To determine if a mother requires this prophylaxis, screening for GBS is typically conducted between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation.s that adequate intrapartum abx prophylaxis for GBS is indicated if the mother has a history of GBS colonization or other risks for transmitting GBS to the infant. It is a targeted strategy aimed at preventing a serious infection that can lead to neonatal meningitis, rather than a blanket approach applied to all pregnancies or a gender-specific intervention.