To my understanding, in The Netherlands (Europe) GBS isn't routinely
checked for either. One reason for it ( as far as I know) is that 15-20 %
of the mothers are carries of GBS but not all of them get ill. So, knowing
that a mother carries GBS is 'convenient', but not necessary for treatment
postpartum yet. When a mother gets symptoms during her pregnancy ( for
instance cystitis)
she can be tested and when she gets a fever during delivery she'll be
tested and get antibiotics, as will the baby when he has symptoms.

I'm no specialist on this subject but interested in it and I've read about it.
Thought you might be interested in my reply.

regards,

Renate Rietveld, IBCLC

At 07:19 AM 9/29/2002 -0400, you wrote:
>Denise's comments that it is not routinely looked for in her unit are
>interesting.  It has become standard in our area of US(East coast-NJ) to
>check GBS status.  If GBS status is unknown baby gets CBC/diff and culture
>shortly after birth.  This is to be in compliance with "Red Book"
>recomendations for GBS and make JCAHO happy.  If mom is GBS positive or
>unknown and doesn't get 2 doses of abx during labor,  we have a standard
>protocol to follow. Sincerely, Pat in SNJ
>
>

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Renate Rietveld, IBCLC
E-mail  : [log in to unmask] Homepage: www.lactatiekundige.com
BreastEd On-line Lactation Studies Senior Tutor ( www.health-e-learning.com )
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