What is the recommended treatment if a mother has a positive Group B Streptococcus culture during labor?

When a mother has a positive Group B Streptococcus (GBS) culture during labor, the recommended treatment involves administering prophylactic antibiotics. This intervention is crucial because GBS can be a significant cause of early-onset sepsis in newborns. The objective of administering antibiotics during labor is to reduce the risk of transmission of the bacteria from mother to infant as the baby passes through the birth canal.

Prophylactic antibiotics are typically given intravenously in a timely manner during labor, ideally at least four hours before delivery, to maximize their effectiveness in reducing neonatal infection risk. The standard antibiotic options include penicillin or ampicillin, and if the mother has a penicillin allergy, alternatives such as clindamycin or vancomycin may be used based on the sensitivity of the organism.

In contrast, other management options such as delaying treatment or opting for cesarean delivery would not adequately address the risk of GBS transmission. Monitoring alone, without treatment, would fail to prevent possible adverse outcomes for the newborn. Therefore, administering prophylactic antibiotics is the evidence-based approach that ensures both maternal and neonatal safety in the context of a positive GBS culture during labor.