Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterium commonly found in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of many healthy adults. For most people, GBS colonization is entirely asymptomatic and causes no health concerns. During pregnancy, the presence of GBS in the vaginal or rectal area introduces a risk of transmission to the newborn during labor and delivery. This potential for transmission has led many expecting parents to seek non-pharmaceutical approaches to reduce or eliminate colonization before birth. This article explores the natural strategies studied for managing GBS colonization during pregnancy.
GBS Colonization and Standard Medical Protocol
GBS colonization is the presence of the Streptococcus agalactiae bacterium, estimated to occur in 20% to 30% of pregnant women in the United States. GBS colonization is not considered an infection in the mother; rather, it is a transient state that may shift between positive and negative throughout pregnancy. The concern arises because GBS is a leading cause of serious infection in newborns, known as early-onset GBS disease. This disease can manifest as sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis.
Standard medical guidelines recommend universal screening for GBS colonization via a combined vaginal and rectal swab taken late in pregnancy, typically between 36 and 37 weeks gestation. If the screening test returns positive, the protocol is to administer prophylactic intravenous (IV) antibiotics during labor. This intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) is highly effective, reducing the risk of early-onset disease in the newborn by an estimated 86% to 89%.
The use of antibiotics during labor is a targeted safety measure designed to reduce the bacterial load just before birth. Natural methods are aimed at reducing colonization before labor, in the weeks following the positive test, hoping to achieve a negative result at delivery. Any natural treatment that does not result in a confirmed negative test does not replace the need for antibiotic prophylaxis during labor.
Nutritional and Supplemental Strategies
Addressing GBS colonization often begins with internal strategies focused on supporting the body’s microbial balance and promoting a healthy vaginal microbiome. The primary strategy involves using specific probiotic strains studied for their ability to compete with GBS. Research has focused on oral supplementation with strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14.
These Lactobacillus species are thought to work by helping to restore the acidic environment of the vagina, which is inhospitable to GBS. In one clinical study, women who took a probiotic containing these specific strains saw a greater reduction in GBS colonization compared to a placebo group. Specifically, 42.9% of the probiotic group converted from GBS-positive to GBS-negative, compared to 18.0% of the placebo group.
General nutritional support is considered a foundational part of any natural protocol. Reducing the intake of refined sugars is commonly suggested, as high sugar consumption can disrupt the balance of beneficial flora. Incorporating fermented foods, such as plain yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, can introduce a wider variety of beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract.
Supporting the overall immune system is another strategy, often involving supplementation with compounds like Vitamin C. Some practitioners recommend a daily dose, such as 1,000 mg twice a day, to support the body’s immune response. A well-supported immune system is better equipped to manage the transient nature of bacterial colonization, even if it does not directly target GBS.
Localized Hygiene and Topical Interventions
Localized and topical interventions aim to directly reduce the bacterial load in the vaginal and rectal areas where GBS colonization occurs. One frequently discussed method is the use of garlic as a vaginal suppository. Garlic contains allicin, a compound with known antimicrobial properties, and some protocols suggest inserting a peeled, whole clove into the vagina overnight.
A significant safety concern with this practice is the risk of irritation or chemical “burns” to the vaginal tissues, particularly if the clove is cut or crushed, which releases the allicin too quickly. A less irritating alternative involves using commercial suppositories that contain garlic extract.
Another topical approach involves using essential oils with antiseptic qualities, such as tea tree oil, diluted into a carrier oil like olive oil. A highly diluted solution (e.g., a 2% concentration) may be applied to a cotton ball or tampon and inserted for a limited time. It is necessary to use a carrier oil for dilution, as undiluted essential oils can cause severe irritation and should never be inserted vaginally.
Some protocols mention the use of chlorhexidine washes (e.g., Hibiclens), applied to the birth canal during labor. Although this antimicrobial agent can reduce GBS, it is not standard practice in the United States and can eliminate Lactobacillus flora. By indiscriminately killing both GBS and beneficial bacteria, this wash may interfere with the baby’s initial colonization by the mother’s flora at birth.
Efficacy, Re-testing, and Safety Considerations
The scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of most natural methods to eliminate GBS colonization is highly variable and often based on small studies or anecdotal reports. While some studies show promising results for specific probiotic strains, the success of broader approaches like dietary changes or topical interventions is not consistently proven across large trials. The colonization status is naturally transient, meaning GBS can disappear and reappear on its own. This makes it challenging to attribute a negative test result solely to a natural intervention.
Because of this variability, re-testing is a necessary step after completing any natural protocol. A woman who attempts to reduce colonization must undergo the standard vaginal/rectal swab to confirm her GBS status before labor. Relying on a natural method without a confirmed negative re-test is not recommended due to the risk to the newborn.
It is important to discuss all natural and supplemental approaches with a healthcare provider, such as an obstetrician or midwife, before beginning treatment. They can provide guidance on safe dosages, potential interactions, and rule out any underlying complications. If the re-test near delivery remains positive for GBS, IV antibiotic prophylaxis remains the most effective intervention available to protect the baby from early-onset GBS disease.