Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium that lives in the gut and genital tract of many healthy adults. It rarely causes problems for the carrier, but it can pass to a baby during labor.
Group B strep is usually harmless to the person carrying it, and most carriers have no symptoms. Many people carry it at some point, and it can come and go. During labor, the bacteria can sometimes pass to the baby. Most babies exposed to GBS do not become ill, but a small number develop a serious infection such as sepsis, pneumonia or meningitis.
Testing for GBS differs between countries. In the US, a swab test is usually offered late in pregnancy, at around 36 to 37 weeks. In the UK, routine testing is not offered, but GBS may be found by chance during tests for other reasons. A midwife or doctor can explain what applies locally.
Antibiotics given through a drip during labor can lower the chance of the baby becoming infected. They are usually offered if GBS has been found in the current pregnancy, if a previous baby had a GBS infection, or if other risk factors are present, such as early labor or a fever during labor.
A newborn with a GBS infection may be floppy or unresponsive, feed poorly, have a high or low temperature, breathe fast or grunt, or have an unusual heart rate. Most infections appear in the first days after birth, though some appear later. Contact a doctor or emergency services urgently if you notice these signs.
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