Final answer:
Pregnant women are typically tested for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) around 35 to 37 weeks of gestation using vaginal and rectal swabs to prevent early onset neonatal infection, especially neonatal meningitis. Positive GBS in mothers can be effectively treated with intravenous antibiotics during labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Testing for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in Pregnant Women
The question pertains to when a woman gets tested for Group B Streptococcus (GBS). GBS screening is typically conducted during pregnancy to prevent early onset neonatal infection, which can lead to conditions such as neonatal meningitis. Women are generally tested for GBS during the third trimester, around 35 to 37 weeks of gestation.
This timing ensures that the most recent status of GBS colonization is known close to delivery, allowing for appropriate antibiotic treatment during labor if GBS is present. The test involves collecting a swab from the pregnant woman's vagina and rectum, which is then cultured to check for the presence of GBS.
Early onset neonatal meningitis, a serious condition that can occur in infants up to 7 days old, is significantly associated with maternal colonization of GBS. Treatment with intravenous antibiotics during labor when GBS is detected in the mother can greatly reduce the incidence of this potentially life-threatening condition in newborns.