Group B streptococci (GBS) are bacteria that occur naturally in the vagina and bowel in about 15% of women. Carrying GBS is normal and rarely harmful to healthy, non-pregnant women. However, the bacteria can pass to a baby in the birth canal during labour and there is a small chance a baby who contacts GBS during labour will develop an infection and become seriously ill. Giving antibiotics to the mother during labour reduces the risk of a baby developing a GBS infection soon after birth. Because of this risk screening with the GBS swab test is offered at 35-36 weeks.
A number of steps are taken to reduce the risk of transmission to your baby:
- If you are GBS positive you will be given antibiotics in labour.
- If you have a urinary tract infection caused by GBS it is treated and you will be given antibiotics in labour
- If you have had a baby previously with a GBS infection you will be given antibiotics in labour
- If you are GBS positive at term (after 37 weeks), and your waters break before you go into labour, you will be advised to have your labour induced to reduce the risk of an ascending infection
