Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a common type of bacteria and the most frequent cause of serious infection in newborn babies. Around 1 in 1000 babies in the UK develop a GBS infection (about 700 babies a year). One in every four or five pregnant women carries GBS in the bowel or vagina without any symptoms (this is called being a carrier).
Babies are usually exposed to GBS shortly before or during birth. The reason why some babies develop infection and others do not is unknown. Most GBS infections in newborns can be prevented by giving mothers intravenous antibiotics (into a vein) when labour starts or when the waters break.
Who is at Risk?
Some pregnant women are more at risk than others of having a baby who develops GBS infection. A pregnant woman is at high risk if she:
- Has waters broken for more than 24 hours
- Starts labour or waters break prematurely (before 36 weeks)
- Has a raised temperature in labour of more than 38°C
- Has a GBS urine infection in the present pregnancy
- Has already had a baby with GBS infection
- Has had a vaginal swab positive for GBS in this pregnancy
If you are at risk, you will be offered antibiotics when you go into labour. You will not be given antibiotics during pregnancy unless you have a urine infection due to GBS, as treating carriers antenatally does not prevent GBS infections in babies.
Can it be Prevented?
GBS infections in newborns can usually be prevented by giving mothers intravenous antibiotics when labour starts or when the waters break.
What is the Treatment?
- Intravenous antibiotics are started when labour becomes established and given every 4 hours until your baby is born.
- If you are allergic to penicillin, an alternative antibiotic will be given every 8 hours.
- If you develop a temperature during labour, antibiotics will be given every 8 hours.
- Ideally, antibiotics should be given 4 hours or more before the baby is born.
What About My Baby?
- After birth, your baby will be checked every 4 hours on the first day, and a paediatrician can see your baby if necessary.
- If labour progresses quickly and there is not enough time for antibiotics, swabs will be taken from your baby’s ear and groin at birth.
- The baby will be checked every 4 hours as above, and a paediatrician will examine your baby within the first 4 hours.
- A paediatrician is available at any time if there are concerns.
What Can I Do?
If you know you are in one of the risk groups, remind the midwife when you go into labour or if your waters break. If you need more information, ask your midwife.