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What Is Group B Strep?
Group B Streptococcus is a species of bacteria that exists normally in the body. This bacterium typically colonises the gut, vagina, and rectum of healthy individuals. The presence of GBS does not indicate any infection, nor does it affect well-being.
In the vast majority of cases, women with GBS do not experience any adverse effects, but during a vaginal delivery, the bacteria may be transmitted to the baby. Due to the underdeveloped immune system, neonates can get ill from GBS. But the majority of babies delivered by GBS-positive women are born healthy.
How Common Is Group B Strep in Pregnancy?
GBS is more widespread than most people realise. It is not a permanent presence in the body. GBS can come and go on its own, which is why screening is done close to your due date rather than early in pregnancy.
How Does Group B Strep Affect Pregnancy?
GBS generally does not affect the mother's health directly. However, its impact on the newborn is what makes it an important part of prenatal screening.
Effect on the Mother
Most GBS-positive mothers experience no symptoms at all. In rare cases, GBS may cause:
- Urinary tract infections
- Increased monitoring
- Emotional stress
Effect on the Baby
If GBS is passed to the baby during delivery and left unaddressed, it can lead to:
- Breathing difficulties
- Sepsis
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
These risks are significantly reduced when antibiotics are given to the mother during labour.
What Are the Types of GBS Infection in Newborns?
There are two categories of GBS disease in babies, depending on when symptoms manifest themselves.
Early-onset GBS
This happens in the first week of the baby’s life, usually within the first 24 to 48 hours of being born. This condition is directly related to exposure during birth. Possible symptoms may be a fever or lack of it, poor feeding, limpness, and breathing problems. Early-onset GBS is the more preventable form, and intrapartum antibiotics are specifically aimed at reducing this risk.
Late-onset GBS
This develops between one week and three months after birth. It is less common and is not always connected to the mother's GBS status at the time of delivery. Meningitis is a more frequent complication in late-onset cases. Because it occurs after discharge from the hospital, parents should be aware of the warning signs to watch for at home.
Signs You Should Watch Out For
Whether you are GBS-positive or not, knowing the warning signs in your newborn is important. Contact your doctor or go to the hospital immediately if your baby shows:
- Unusual limpness
- Poor feeding or refusing to feed
- High or unusually low body temperature
- Rapid or laboured breathing
- Unusual paleness or bluish skin tone
- Excessive crying or irritability
If you have had a GBS-positive result and develop a fever during labour, inform your care team right away.
How Is Group B Strep Detected?
GBS screening is an easy procedure. Between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will take a swab from your vagina and rectum. The process is brief and generally painless. The specimen is taken to a lab, and the results will be ready in two days.
If you test positive, this just means that GBS is found in your body. Some women are treated for GBS during labour even without a positive swab result. This includes women with:
- The previous birth of an infant affected by GBS infection
- UTI with GBS infection during the current pregnancy
- Labour that occurs before 37 weeks
- Prolonged rupture of the membranes (where labour does not begin within 18 hours of water breaking)
- Fever during labour
Lifestyle Changes and Recommendations
There is currently no known method of preventing or clearing GBS bacteria from the body prior to giving birth.
When to Consult a Doctor?
If you are approaching 35 weeks and have not been offered a GBS swab test, ask your doctor or midwife about it. During pregnancy, seek medical advice if:
- You develop symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as burning during urination
- You have previously had a baby affected by GBS illness
- You go into labour before 37 weeks
- Your waters break, and labour does not begin promptly
- You feel unwell or develop a fever during labour
It is always the right decision to speak with your obstetrician if you are uncertain about your GBS status or what it means for your delivery.
A positive GBS result can feel unsettling at first, but it is one of the most well-managed aspects of late pregnancy care. With routine screening, clear communication with your care team, and antibiotics during labour, the risk to your baby is greatly reduced. You are already doing the right thing by staying informed, and that makes a real difference.
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FAQs on What Is Group B Strep During Pregnancy?
- Can I have a normal delivery if I test positive for GBS?
Yes, most women with a positive GBS result go on to have a normal vaginal delivery. Antibiotics are given through a drip during labour to protect the baby. - Will my baby definitely be affected if I carry GBS?
No. The majority of babies born to GBS-positive mothers are born healthy. The risk is significantly reduced with timely antibiotics during labour. - Can GBS be cleared before delivery?
There is currently no reliable method to permanently clear GBS before labour. Antibiotics taken during pregnancy do not prevent GBS from returning before delivery, which is why they are given during labour instead.