Group B streptococcal infection, prophylactic screening in pregnancy is done in
**Core Concept**
The underlying principle being tested is the prevention of **group B streptococcal (GBS) infection** in newborns, which can be achieved through **prophylactic screening** in pregnant women. This involves identifying colonized women to offer **intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis**.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct approach to preventing GBS infection in newborns involves screening pregnant women for GBS colonization between **35 and 37 weeks of gestation**. This timing is crucial because it allows for the identification of women who are colonized with GBS at the time of labor, thereby enabling the administration of intrapartum antibiotics to reduce the risk of transmission to the newborn.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Screening too early in pregnancy may not accurately reflect colonization status at the time of labor.
**Option B:** This option is not provided but typically, options that are too late may not allow enough time for intervention.
**Option D:** This option is also not provided, but generally, options that suggest no screening or screening at inappropriate times are incorrect.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember, the goal of screening is to identify GBS colonization in pregnant women so that **intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis** can be administered to those who are colonized, significantly reducing the risk of early-onset GBS disease in newborns.
**Correct Answer:** C. 35-37 weeks of gestation