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GBS, or Group B Strep (Streptococcus), is a bacteria that is found in the GI and genital tract in 1 out of 4 women. Most of the time, people are unaware that they are carrying this bacteria because they don’t experience any signs or symptoms. However, it is possible for this bacteria to enter the body and cause serious infections such as bacteremia and sepsis, bone and joint infections, meningitis, pneumonia, and skin and soft tissue infections (CDC.gov). It is uncommon for adults to experience these infections, but is found more commonly in newborns who have been exposed during birth while going through the birth canal. For this reason, it is common practice for the birthing mother to be checked for this bacteria at around 36 weeks of pregnancy via a vaginal swab.
Something we know about our microbiome (the microorganisms that live in a certain area in or on our bodies) is that it can be influenced by its environment. For example, consuming foods or supplements that promote “good” bacteria can crowd out the “bad” bacteria. We also know certain factors, like blood sugar balance, can impact the bacteria that live in and on our bodies. Having high or unregulated blood sugar promotes the growth of undesirable bacteria, while having better regulated blood sugar promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria. For this reason, a diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes, may impact the likelihood of being GBS positive during pregnancy.
During my first pregnancy, I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, and was found to be GBS positive around the 36 week mark. The conventional route to managing this test result is antibiotics for the mother during birth to reduce the likelihood of the baby becoming colonized and infected with the Group B Strep bacteria. However, during birth, the baby is not only colonized by this Group B Strep bacteria, but by ALL the bacteria present in the mother’s genital tract, many of which are incredibly beneficial to the baby’s health. I was incredibly reluctant to expose my baby to antibiotics from the get-go. My husband and I had not decided whether or not we wanted to go the antibiotic route when I went into labor at 38 weeks. Santi was born quickly (which reduces the chance of negative outcomes caused by GBS) and fortunately that made the decision for us - by the time we arrived at the hospital, Santi was half way through the birth canal and joined us shortly after! We stayed at the hospital for an extra day for observation and everyone left healthy.
When I became pregnant with my second son, Arlo, I knew I didn’t want to expose him to antibiotics during birth. As the microbiome is susceptible to change, I didn’t know whether or not I still had GBS, however I was determined to reduce my chances. I focused on balancing my blood sugar, took a probiotic specific to vaginal health throughout my pregnancy, and ate a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fermentables - all factors that should promote “good” bacteria growth. At my 36 week test, I was crossing my fingers for a negative result - but there it was again, another positive! I began doing my research to see what I could do at this point in my pregnancy to reduce the amount of Group B Strep bacteria present. I came across a protocol for a vaginal suppository from Dr. Aviva Romm, which I slightly modified to include the following:
¼ cup coconut oil
1 Tbsp calendula oil
1 tsp goldenseal powder
1 Tbsp vaginal probiotic blend (look for Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14)
I melted the coconut oil and then added all the other ingredients to the warm (not hot) coconut oil, mixing it, then placing it in a suppository mold. I stored these in the refrigerator for nightly use (inserting 1 per night and using a pad to prevent an oily mess while I slept). My plan was to retest for Group B Strep at the 37 and possibly 38 week mark, however, Arlo was born at home at 36 and a half weeks (without antibiotics) and I felt good knowing that I had most likely reduced the colonization of this bacteria, if not cleared it entirely.
Regardless of whether or not a person has Group B Strep, it is beneficial to consume foods that will promote a healthy microbiome beginning even before conception. Foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, pickles, and kombucha contain the beneficial Lactobacillus strains that crowd out GBS. If a positive GBS test result is detected during pregnancy, it is possible to reverse the colonization and later test negative for GBS by adding in specific probiotics, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, which have been shown to reduce or eliminate the colonization of GBS. Women in one study who tested positive for GBS took these two strains of probiotics starting at 37 weeks until they delivered. In the control group 18% of women no longer tested positive for GBS at birth, while 43% of the women who took probiotics no longer tested positive (Mindful Birth). By taking these probiotics orally, as well as using them in a vaginal suppository, I believe there is an even greater chance of eliminating the Group B Strep bacteria.
There are major risks and major benefits that can come from the decision of whether or not to use antibiotics during birth when GBS is present. It is not something to be taken lightly. Make sure to discuss both sides of this scenario with a trusted care team and to make an educated decision for yourself and your family.
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