Sexual activity, vaginal symptoms, maternal perineal hygiene behavior, and constipation on ano-vaginal colonization of group B streptococcus in near term pregnancy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Maternal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization is influenced by many factors but results are inconsistent. Consideration of antenatal risk factors may help inform decision making on GBS microbiological culture screening where universal screening is not standard of care. We sought to identify independent predictors of GBS colonization at 34-37 weeks gestation incorporating vaginal symptoms, perineal hygiene measures, sexual activity, and a potential novel factor, constipation.

Methods

In this prospective cross-sectional study, 573 women at 34-37 weeks gestation had an ano-vaginal swab taken and sent for selective culture for GBS. Women were asked about vaginal bleeding, discharge, irritation and candidiasis, antibiotic use during pregnancy, ano-vaginal hygiene p

SUBMITTER: Esmaon R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11225375 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature