What complication is commonly associated with Group B Streptococcus during pregnancy?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that can be found in the normal flora of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts in healthy adults. However, when it comes to pregnancy, GBS can become a significant concern due to its potential to cause serious complications for newborns. One of the most critical conditions associated with GBS during pregnancy is neonatal sepsis.

Neonatal sepsis occurs when a newborn becomes infected with bacteria within the first month of life, and GBS is one of the leading causes of this condition. The bacteria can be transmitted from the mother to the infant during delivery, especially if the mother is colonized with GBS. This can lead to severe illness in the newborn, characterized by symptoms such as lethargy, difficulty breathing, feeding intolerance, and temperature instability. Early detection and treatment of GBS in pregnant women are important to prevent this complication, typically involving screening at 35-37 weeks of gestation and administering antibiotics during labor if GBS is present.

In contrast, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and placenta previa are not directly linked to Group B Streptococcus. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and