What percentage of women are colonized by Group B Streptococcus (GBS) during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, approximately 10-30% of women are colonized by Group B Streptococcus (GBS). GBS is a common bacterium that can be found in the lower genital tract and rectum of healthy individuals, and its prevalence can vary based on various demographics and risk factors.

The relevance of this colonization is significant as it can lead to serious infections in infants if the mother is GBS positive during labor. Therefore, many obstetric guidelines recommend screening for GBS colonization in pregnant women at around 35-37 weeks of gestation, followed by intrapartum prophylaxis with antibiotics for those who test positive.

While a higher range may suggest increased prevalence, studies and clinical guidelines consistently support the 10-30% estimate, forming the basis for screening recommendations in obstetric care. This knowledge is crucial for health care providers to prevent potential complications associated with GBS in newborns.