Staphylococcus in pregnancy – is it dangerous for the baby?

Staphylococcus in pregnancy in the vagina

Staphylococcus is one of the causative agents of bacterial vaginal infections, known as “vaginosis. vaginosis. This is a condition in which there is a decrease in the population of normal bacterial flora in the vagina and an increase in the number of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. When staphylococcus is present in the vagina, pregnant women complain, among other things. on the characteristic odor of discharge, discharge, painful intercourse and a feeling of dryness. A genital tract swab is necessary for diagnosis, so that the bacteria can be identified. Treatment is based on topical antibiotic therapy with clindamycin or metronidazole. Preparations containing silver ions are also used, which have efficacy even against antibiotic-resistant staphylococci. A bacterial vaginal infection, especially one that is untreated, can carry complications such as preterm labor and premature rupture of the membranes. For this reason, you should not treat an infection during pregnancy on your own.

Staphylococcus in pregnancy in the throat and nose

Staphylococcus can also cause an upper respiratory tract infection. Characteristic symptoms include high fever, plaque on the throat and tonsils, and difficulty swallowing. In order to identify the pathogen responsible for the symptoms, the doctor may order a throat and nasal swab from the pregnant woman. Often an antibiogram is also performed, which provides information on the sensitivity of the detected bacteria to various antibiotics. This makes it possible to select the most effective therapy. It is important to remember that untreated infection can lead to serious consequences such as septicemia and endocarditis.

Staphylococcus on the skin during pregnancy

Staphylococcus is present on the skin of many of us, but most often causes no symptoms. When the immune system response is weakened, such as during pregnancy, symptoms of infection may occur. The most common include abscesses, folliculitis, boils, as well as inflammation of the sweat glands and mammary glands. It is worth remembering that staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of puerperal breast inflammation. Treatment of ailments associated with staphylococcal infection on the skin is based – as in previous cases – on antibiotic therapy under the supervision of a specialist.

Staphylococcus in urine during pregnancy

Urinary tract infections during pregnancy are quite common. This is due to the physiological changes that take place during pregnancy, among others. There is a backlog of urine in the kidneys, which promotes the growth of various pathogens. Symptoms of urinary tract inflammation include burning and pain when urinating and more frequent than usual visits to the toilet. The most common cause of urinary tract infections is the E. coli bacterium. In some cases, however, the infection is caused by staphylococci. To determine the etiology (cause) of the infection, a general urinalysis and urine culture are performed, along with an antibiogram. It is very important to properly treat the infection so that more serious complications, such as acute pyelonephritis in the mother-to-be, do not occur.

Staphylococcus and childbirth

Many pregnant women wonder whether a staph infection is a contraindication to road and natural childbirth. Gynecologists currently do not recommend abandoning natural childbirth for women with a positive smear for staphylococcus.

Other bacteria that cause distress in pregnant women are group B streptococci, the so-called “group B” bacteria. GBS. They can cause inflammation of the membranes or preterm labor. However, in 30% of infected pregnant women, no symptoms of infection appear. According to current recommendations, all mothers-to-be have before 37. Week of pregnancy performed test (smear) for group B streptococcus (GBS) infection. During natural childbirth, there is a risk of infection of the newborn, so in the perinatal period, in case of a positive culture for GBS, an antibiotic, usually ampicillin, is administered to the parturient woman.