What is the main reason for conducting Group B streptococcus screening in pregnant women?

The primary reason for conducting Group B streptococcus (GBS) screening in pregnant women is to identify harmful bacteria that can pose a risk to the newborn. GBS is a type of bacteria that can be found in the vagina or rectum of pregnant women and, in some cases, can lead to serious infections in newborns if transmitted during delivery.

Screening typically occurs between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation, and if a woman tests positive for GBS, she is often given antibiotics during labor. This intervention significantly reduces the risk of the newborn developing infections such as sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis that can arise from GBS exposure.

Understanding this context emphasizes the importance of GBS screening in preventing neonatal complications, which is why identifying harmful bacteria for the newborn is the focal point of this screening process in antepartal care.