If Group B Streptococcus status is unknown in a pregnant patient, what is recommended?

If Group B Streptococcus status is unknown in a pregnant patient, what is recommended?

• A. Vaccination
• B. Prophylactic antibiotics
• C. Sedatives
• D. Diuretics

Answer: (B)

When maternal GBS status is unknown, giving intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is the right approach to protect the newborn. Group B Streptococcus can be carried without symptoms, and transmission during labor or membrane rupture can lead to serious neonatal infection. Administering antibiotics during labor reduces the baby's exposure to GBS and lowers the risk of early-onset disease. The standard choice is IV penicillin G given during labor (with alternatives if penicillin allergy or other factors are present). Vaccination, sedatives, or diuretics do not prevent neonatal GBS transmission and are not appropriate in this scenario.

When maternal GBS status is unknown, giving intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is the right approach to protect the newborn. Group B Streptococcus can be carried without symptoms, and transmission during labor or membrane rupture can lead to serious neonatal infection. Administering antibiotics during labor reduces the baby's exposure to GBS and lowers the risk of early-onset disease. The standard choice is IV penicillin G given during labor (with alternatives if penicillin allergy or other factors are present). Vaccination, sedatives, or diuretics do not prevent neonatal GBS transmission and are not appropriate in this scenario.