What factor is NOT a risk for screening GBS?

Maternal age over 35 is not typically considered a significant risk factor for group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening in pregnant individuals. In contrast, the other factors listed are directly associated with an increased risk of GBS colonization or transmission to the infant.

Previous births of infants affected by GBS indicate a higher likelihood of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies, making this a pertinent risk factor. Similarly, if GBS bacteriuria (the presence of GBS in the urine) is present during the current pregnancy, there is a strong indication of colonization, which poses a risk to the newborn during labor and delivery. Preterm labor and imminent birth signal an urgent clinical situation where the infant may be exposed to GBS before the mother has had the opportunity for appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis, increasing the risk for early-onset GBS disease.

Maternal age itself may carry other risks during pregnancy, but it does not have a direct correlation with GBS colonization or infection rates. Consequently, screening recommendations focus more on the direct risk factors that impact the mother and baby's health rather than age alone.