While babies infected with Group B Strep can be at tremendous risk we must
also realize that most babies of GBS positive mothers do not become infected.
Many women carry this often asymptomatic bacteria and many of those are never
fully rid of it despite treatment. Some practitioners try to treat mothers
while pregnant, only to create resistant strains and actually increase the
colonization later in the pregnancy.

I believe the concern should be geared more toward decreasing likelihood of
infection that is increased through standard obstetrical practices. Artificial
rupture of membranes, internal fetal monitoring, forceps and extractions and
practices which impede length of labor (epidurals, restricted movement, etc.)
all increase the chance of infection.

Valeri Webber