Strep Throat during Pregnancy: Risks, Treatment Options, and Preventative Care

Understanding Strep Throat During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings many changes to a woman's body, some welcome and others more challenging. One change that can cause concern is an increased susceptibility to illnesses like strep throat.

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is an infection caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. The infection leads to inflammation and irritation of the throat and tonsils. Common symptoms include:

• Red, swollen throat
• Painful sore throat
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes in neck
• White patches on tonsils
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting

Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. It can also spread through shared drinks or utensils.

Risk Factors During Pregnancy

There are several reasons why pregnant women may be at a slightly higher risk of developing strep throat:

• Lowered immunity - The immune system naturally dips during pregnancy, making expectant mothers more prone to bacterial and viral infections.
• Increased contact with children - Exposure to young children who may carry and transmit strep is more likely for expectant moms.
• Hormone changes - Changes in the body's chemistry can create an environment more hospitable to strep bacteria.
• Enlarged uterus - The growing uterus presses on other organs, slowing digestion and circulation, which can accelerate spread of infection.
• Morning sickness - Frequent vomiting erodes the throat lining, making it easier for strep bacteria to take hold.
• Dehydration - Reduced fluid intake from morning sickness dehydrates mucous membranes in nose and throat, reducing the body's natural defenses.

Is Strep Throat Dangerous During Pregnancy?

For most healthy women, strep throat itself poses little danger during pregnancy. The bigger concern is potential complications, including:

• Scarlet fever - Some strains of strep also cause scarlet fever, which produces a bumpy, red rash that spreads across the body.
• Sinus and ear infections - Congestion from strep can lead to painful sinus infections or inner/middle ear infections.
• Rheumatic fever - If left untreated, strep throat can progress to rheumatic fever, a serious inflammatory condition affecting heart, joints, skin and brain.
• Pneumonia or bronchitis - Rarely, strep spreads from the throat to the lungs, causing pneumonia or bronchitis.
• Sepsis - When strep gets into the bloodstream, sepsis can result. This systemic infection can become life-threatening very quickly.

Effects on Baby During Pregnancy

Strep throat itself is unlikely to directly infect or harm the developing baby. However, some secondary effects could impact the pregnancy:

• Fever - High fevers during the first trimester may increase risk of certain birth defects.
• Dehydration - Reduced fluid and nutrition intake could slow fetal growth and development.
• Antibiotics - Some antibiotics used to treat strep have been associated with complications in pregnancy.
• Early labor - Severe infections late in pregnancy can sometimes trigger preterm contractions and premature birth.

Getting Diagnosed

The best way to diagnose strep throat is through a simple throat culture swab test. Samples are taken from the back of the throat and tonsils, then evaluated to detect presence of strep bacteria.

Expectant mothers should let their doctor know about their pregnancy before strep testing. Some physicians may prefer using a blood antibody test instead to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.

Treatment Options During Pregnancy

The good news is strep throat can safely be treated with antibiotics during pregnancy, leading to symptom relief in just a day or two. Some options include:

• Penicillin - Penicillin or amoxicillin are generally considered safe in pregnancy when taken as directed. Very rarely, penicillin allergy occurs.
• Erythromycin - For those allergic to penicillin, erythromycin can be prescribed instead without issue.
• Cephalosporins - Newer antibiotics like cephalexin or cefadroxil may be options as well in penicillin-allergic patients.

Before taking any new medications or stopping current prescriptions, pregnant women should always consult their physician. Risks and benefits will be assessed based on individual circumstances.

Natural Remedies to Aid Healing

While antibiotics remain the treatment mainstay against strep, many home remedies can support the healing process:

• Rest - Resting helps the body direct all energies toward fighting infection faster.
• Fluids - Cool water, broth, herbal tea, and juice help keep mucous membranes moist.
• Salt water gargle - Gargling with warm salt water soothes an irritated throat.
• Honey - The antibacterial and mucus-thinning properties of raw honey make it helpful for symptom relief.
• Probiotics - Consuming probiotic foods like yogurt helps replenish healthy gut bacteria killed by antibiotics.
• Vitamin C - Some evidence suggests Vitamin C supplements might help resolve illness faster.
• Zinc - This mineral supports immune functioning and deficiency has been associated with longer-lasting strep infections.

Preventing Spread of Infection

Limiting transmission of strep to others involves simple precautions like:

• Covering coughs and sneezes.
• Washing hands frequently.
• Not sharing food, drinks, utensils.
• Sanitizing household surfaces.
• Laundering towels, sheets, and handkerchiefs often.
• Replacing toothbrushes after illness.

Children or family members diagnosed with strep should also be treated with a recommended course of antibiotics. Staying home from school/work during the most contagious period can help reduce transmission rates.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Though rare, some strep-related complications do require emergency medical care. Call 911 or go to the ER right away for:

• Difficulty breathing or fast breathing.
• Rash that looks like a sunburn, especially with fever or flaking skin.
• Dehydration symptoms like dizziness, weakness, dry mouth/lips.
• Severe pain or stiffness in neck and headache.
• High fever not responsive to over-the-counter medications.
• Severe pain, redness, pus, heat, or swelling around the throat.
• Blood in mucus when coughing or nosebleeds.

Trust instincts - when in doubt, do not hesitate reaching out to the healthcare providers managing pregnancy care.

Protecting Mom and Baby

While strep throat is usually easily treatable, pregnant women should take particular care to safeguard their own health as well as their developing baby's wellbeing. Swift medical attention and antibiotic therapy can halt progression before risky complications arise.

In addition to medication, plenty of fluids and home remedies like honey or salt water gargles can help beat the misery of sore throat pain. Resting also gives the body resources to keep both mother and baby healthy.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.