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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Strep Bacteria Fever In A New Born Child?
Question: Good afternoon! My niece just delivered an 8 lb. 9 oz baby girl yesterday. It's her second child. The baby had a fever and they've diagnosed her with Group A strep. Based on a blood test my niece had during pregnancy, her obstetrician told her there was a 1% chance the baby woukd contract this bacteria. Can you please tell me more about this? The baby is in NICU at a Hospital in XXXXXXX Tx. I believe they want to do a spinal tap to check for meningitis. Thank you for any information you can give us.
Brief Answer:
Strep
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for your question.
Strep is a bacteria that all pregnant mothers are tested for. The test is done because undetected strep can potentially be very damaging to a newborn baby. Every hospital has a protocol concerning how to deal with this. The action taken depends on multiple factors such as: how many doses of antibiotic did the mother receive prior to delivery, how long was the gestation, what are the newborn's signs and symptoms, etc...
In this case, the baby has a fever, so the hospital is following the guidelines for a baby with fever. The actions taken are generally precautionary but very important.Typically, tests are done on blood, urine, and spinal fluid. Antibiotics are started while awaiting the results of the lab work. Antibiotic treatment is started right away Because lab results can take up to 48 hours. If they were to wait 48 hours for the results before starting antibiotics, and one of the tests was positive, it would be too late.
It sounds like they are doing everything by the book. It is all for the safety of the baby. With early treatment on board, she should be fine.
Strep
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for your question.
Strep is a bacteria that all pregnant mothers are tested for. The test is done because undetected strep can potentially be very damaging to a newborn baby. Every hospital has a protocol concerning how to deal with this. The action taken depends on multiple factors such as: how many doses of antibiotic did the mother receive prior to delivery, how long was the gestation, what are the newborn's signs and symptoms, etc...
In this case, the baby has a fever, so the hospital is following the guidelines for a baby with fever. The actions taken are generally precautionary but very important.Typically, tests are done on blood, urine, and spinal fluid. Antibiotics are started while awaiting the results of the lab work. Antibiotic treatment is started right away Because lab results can take up to 48 hours. If they were to wait 48 hours for the results before starting antibiotics, and one of the tests was positive, it would be too late.
It sounds like they are doing everything by the book. It is all for the safety of the baby. With early treatment on board, she should be fine.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank you! Hopefully she will be fine in a few more days. The doctors are telling us that she will be on the hospital about ten days. I appreciate your thorough (and comforting) response!
I will follow up if there are any changes, otherwise we look forward to her and her husband bringing home the new little sister :)!!
I will follow up if there are any changes, otherwise we look forward to her and her husband bringing home the new little sister :)!!
Brief Answer:
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Congratulations again. Enjoy.
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Congratulations again. Enjoy.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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