GBS in pregnancy & what to do if I have it
Penny cited the following
2 peer-reviewed research articles
8 professionally-backed sources
4 articles from healthcare institutions
Overview
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common type of bacteria that many people carry naturally, often without symptoms. In pregnancy, GBS is important because it can be passed to the baby during labor and delivery, which can sometimes cause serious infections in newborns. If you test positive for GBS during pregnancy, the main recommended action is to receive antibiotics through an IV during labor. This significantly reduces the risk of your baby developing a GBS infection.
Key Points About GBS in Pregnancy
What is GBS?
- GBS (Group B Streptococcus) is a bacterium commonly found in the vagina and rectum of about 1 in 4 pregnant people.
- It is not a sexually transmitted infection and usually does not cause illness in healthy adults.
-
GBS can be detected through a routine swab test, typically performed between 36 and 38 weeks of pregnancy.
1ArticleGroup B Strep and Pregnancy | ACOGGroup B streptococcus (GBS) can pass from a pregnant women to her fetus during labor. The chance of a newborn getting sick is much lower when the mother receives treatment.→
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
2ArticleScreening for Group B Strep Bacteria | Group B Strep | CDCA lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. ... Healthcare providers should screen all women for group B Streptococcus (group B strep, GBS) bacteria during each pregnancy.→Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
3ArticleGroup B strep disease-Group B strep disease - Symptoms & causes - Mayo ClinicA baby's risk also goes up if the pregnant parent has: Group B strep in the body. Breaking of the waters 18 hours or more before the baby is delivered. An infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid, called chorioamnionitis. A urinary tract infection during the pregnancy.→Mayo Clinic
Why is GBS Important in Pregnancy?
- GBS can be passed from mother to baby during labor and delivery.
- While most babies exposed to GBS do not get sick, GBS can cause serious infections in some newborns, such as sepsis (blood infection), pneumonia, or meningitis.
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The risk of a newborn developing GBS disease is about 1–2 out of 100 if the mother is not treated, but this risk drops significantly with appropriate treatment.
1ArticleGroup B Strep and Pregnancy | ACOGGroup B streptococcus (GBS) can pass from a pregnant women to her fetus during labor. The chance of a newborn getting sick is much lower when the mother receives treatment.→3ArticleGroup B strep disease-Group B strep disease - Symptoms & causes - Mayo ClinicA baby's risk also goes up if the pregnant parent has: Group B strep in the body. Breaking of the waters 18 hours or more before the baby is delivered. An infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid, called chorioamnionitis. A urinary tract infection during the pregnancy.→4ArticleGroup B strep - NHSFind out about group B strep, a type of bacteria called streptococcal bacteria, and how it can affect you and your baby inpregnancy.→
nhs.uk
5ArticleGroup B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy and newborn babies | RCOGGBS is not a sexually transmitted disease and most women carrying GBS will have no symptoms. Carrying GBS is not harmful to you but it can affect your baby around the time of birth. GBS can occasionally cause serious infection in newborn babies, and, very rarely, during pregnancy and before labour.→Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists
6ArticlePreventing Group B Strep Disease in Newborns | Group B Strep | CDCThere are ways to help protect a newborn from getting a groupBstrep (GBS) infection.→7ArticleGroup B Streptococcus | St. Louis Children's HospitalSome babies still get GBS even with testing and treatment. Research is ongoing to make vaccines to prevent GBS infection. Most newborns with GBS have signs before they go home from the hospital. But some babies do not show signs until later. These may include: ... GroupBstrep is a type of bacteria. It can be passed from a pregnant mother to her newborn baby. A baby infected with GBS can develop serious illnesses. Pregnant women are screened for GBS in late pregnancy...→stlouischildrens.org
What to Do if You Have GBS
During Pregnancy
- If you test positive for GBS, it does not mean you are sick or that your baby will definitely be affected.
-
You do not need antibiotics before labor unless you have a urinary tract infection caused by GBS. In that case, you may be treated during pregnancy and will still need antibiotics during labor.
3ArticleGroup B strep disease-Group B strep disease - Symptoms & causes - Mayo ClinicA baby's risk also goes up if the pregnant parent has: Group B strep in the body. Breaking of the waters 18 hours or more before the baby is delivered. An infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid, called chorioamnionitis. A urinary tract infection during the pregnancy.→8ArticlePrevention of Group B Streptococcal Early-Onset Disease in Newborns | ACOGGroup B streptococcus bacteriuria at levels of 105 CFU/mL or greater, either asymptomatic or symptomatic, warrants acute treatment and indicates the need for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis at the time of birth Table 1. Identification of asymptomatic bacteriuria with GBS during pregnancy ...→9ArticleGroup B Streptococcus (GBS) in Pregnant Women and Infants: Commonly Asked Questions - MN Dept. of HealthIn August 2002, the U.S. Centers ... occurs in babies shortly after birth. These guidelines advise health care providers to use a screening-based approach to decide which woman may benefit from getting an antibiotic (like penicillin) through the vein during delivery. Providers use a screening test to see if their patients carry GBS. This test is done by swabbing the vagina and rectum between the 35th and 37th week of pregnancy...→
health.state.mn.us
During Labor
- The most effective way to prevent GBS infection in your baby is to receive antibiotics (usually penicillin) through an IV once labor begins or your water breaks.
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Antibiotics are not needed before labor because treating GBS earlier does not prevent transmission to the baby at birth.
1ArticleGroup B Strep and Pregnancy | ACOGGroup B streptococcus (GBS) can pass from a pregnant women to her fetus during labor. The chance of a newborn getting sick is much lower when the mother receives treatment.→3ArticleGroup B strep disease-Group B strep disease - Symptoms & causes - Mayo ClinicA baby's risk also goes up if the pregnant parent has: Group B strep in the body. Breaking of the waters 18 hours or more before the baby is delivered. An infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid, called chorioamnionitis. A urinary tract infection during the pregnancy.→6ArticlePreventing Group B Strep Disease in Newborns | Group B Strep | CDCThere are ways to help protect a newborn from getting a groupBstrep (GBS) infection.→10ArticleGroup B Strep in Pregnancy: Understanding Risks, Testing and TreatmentThere’s no vaccine for group B strep. Preventing the bacteria from transmitting from mother to baby during childbirth is done by giving mom antibiotics during labor. “The first line of treatment is giving the mother penicillin through an IV during labor. Many moms ask if they can be treated ...→
unitypoint.org
11ArticleGroup B Strep (GBS) in Pregnancy What Is Group B Strep?GroupBStrep, or GBS, is one of many bacteria that live in everyone’s body. Even though GBS isn’t usually harmful to you, it might make your baby sick. ... GBS lives in the stomach, anus, and vagina. Most people don’t know ... About 1 in every 4 women has GBS at the end of their pregnancy.→unmhealth.org
If You Are Having a Planned Cesarean Section
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If you are not in labor and your water has not broken, you do not need antibiotics for GBS, even if you are GBS positive.
1ArticleGroup B Strep and Pregnancy | ACOGGroup B streptococcus (GBS) can pass from a pregnant women to her fetus during labor. The chance of a newborn getting sick is much lower when the mother receives treatment.→12ArticleGroup B Streptococcus (GBS) Infections Guidelines: GBS Prophylaxis in Preterm LaborGroupB Streptococcus, also known as Streptococcus agalactiae, was once considered a pathogen of only domestic animals, causing mastitis in cows. S agalactiae is now best known as a cause of postpartum infection and as the most common cause of neonatal sepsis.→
Medscape
After Delivery
- Your baby may be monitored for signs of infection, especially if you did not receive antibiotics during labor.
-
Most babies born to mothers who received antibiotics do not need additional treatment.
4ArticleGroup B strep - NHSFind out about group B strep, a type of bacteria called streptococcal bacteria, and how it can affect you and your baby inpregnancy.→5ArticleGroup B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy and newborn babies | RCOGGBS is not a sexually transmitted disease and most women carrying GBS will have no symptoms. Carrying GBS is not harmful to you but it can affect your baby around the time of birth. GBS can occasionally cause serious infection in newborn babies, and, very rarely, during pregnancy and before labour.→6ArticlePreventing Group B Strep Disease in Newborns | Group B Strep | CDCThere are ways to help protect a newborn from getting a groupBstrep (GBS) infection.→7ArticleGroup B Streptococcus | St. Louis Children's HospitalSome babies still get GBS even with testing and treatment. Research is ongoing to make vaccines to prevent GBS infection. Most newborns with GBS have signs before they go home from the hospital. But some babies do not show signs until later. These may include: ... GroupBstrep is a type of bacteria. It can be passed from a pregnant mother to her newborn baby. A baby infected with GBS can develop serious illnesses. Pregnant women are screened for GBS in late pregnancy...→
Additional Considerations
Risk Factors for GBS Infection in Babies
- Premature birth (before 37 weeks)
- Prolonged rupture of membranes (water broken for 18 hours or more before delivery)
- Maternal fever during labor
-
Previous baby with GBS disease
3ArticleGroup B strep disease-Group B strep disease - Symptoms & causes - Mayo ClinicA baby's risk also goes up if the pregnant parent has: Group B strep in the body. Breaking of the waters 18 hours or more before the baby is delivered. An infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid, called chorioamnionitis. A urinary tract infection during the pregnancy.→5ArticleGroup B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy and newborn babies | RCOGGBS is not a sexually transmitted disease and most women carrying GBS will have no symptoms. Carrying GBS is not harmful to you but it can affect your baby around the time of birth. GBS can occasionally cause serious infection in newborn babies, and, very rarely, during pregnancy and before labour.→13ArticleGroup B Streptococcus and Pregnancy - StatPearls - NCBI BookshelfThis bacterium poses significant health risks, particularly to neonates, young infants, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions.[1] GBS can colonize the gastrointestinal and vaginal tracts of up to one-third of pregnant individuals, resulting in various infections, including ...→
National Center for Biotechnology Information
14ArticleStreptococcus Group B - StatPearls - NCBI BookshelfGroupB Streptococcus and Pregnancy.[StatPearls.→
Effectiveness and Safety of Treatment
- Antibiotics given during labor are highly effective at reducing the risk of GBS infection in newborns.
-
Severe allergic reactions to antibiotics are very rare.
6ArticlePreventing Group B Strep Disease in Newborns | Group B Strep | CDCThere are ways to help protect a newborn from getting a groupBstrep (GBS) infection.→
Monitoring and Follow-up
- If you have GBS, clear communication with your healthcare team is important.
-
If your baby shows any signs of infection after birth (such as fever, difficulty feeding, or lethargy), contact your baby’s healthcare provider right away.
1ArticleGroup B Strep and Pregnancy | ACOGGroup B streptococcus (GBS) can pass from a pregnant women to her fetus during labor. The chance of a newborn getting sick is much lower when the mother receives treatment.→4ArticleGroup B strep - NHSFind out about group B strep, a type of bacteria called streptococcal bacteria, and how it can affect you and your baby inpregnancy.→5ArticleGroup B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy and newborn babies | RCOGGBS is not a sexually transmitted disease and most women carrying GBS will have no symptoms. Carrying GBS is not harmful to you but it can affect your baby around the time of birth. GBS can occasionally cause serious infection in newborn babies, and, very rarely, during pregnancy and before labour.→7ArticleGroup B Streptococcus | St. Louis Children's HospitalSome babies still get GBS even with testing and treatment. Research is ongoing to make vaccines to prevent GBS infection. Most newborns with GBS have signs before they go home from the hospital. But some babies do not show signs until later. These may include: ... GroupBstrep is a type of bacteria. It can be passed from a pregnant mother to her newborn baby. A baby infected with GBS can develop serious illnesses. Pregnant women are screened for GBS in late pregnancy...→
Summary
GBS is a common and usually harmless bacterium for adults, but it can cause serious illness in newborns if passed during labor. If you test positive for GBS in pregnancy, the recommended step is to receive IV antibiotics during labor, which greatly reduces the risk to your baby. You do not need antibiotics before labor unless you have a GBS urinary tract infection. If you have questions or concerns, your OB/GYN or midwife can work with you on your personal course of care and answer any questions about your specific situation.
1
Article
Group B Strep and Pregnancy | ACOG
Group B streptococcus (GBS) can pass from a pregnant women to her fetus during labor. The chance of a newborn getting sick is much lower when the mother receives treatment.
2
Article
Screening for Group B Strep Bacteria | Group B Strep | CDC
A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. ... Healthcare providers should screen all women for group B Streptococcus (group B strep, GBS) bacteria during each pregnancy.
3
Article
Group B strep disease-Group B strep disease - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
A baby's risk also goes up if the pregnant parent has: Group B strep in the body. Breaking of the waters 18 hours or more before the baby is delivered. An infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid, called chorioamnionitis. A urinary tract infection during the pregnancy.
5
Article
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy and newborn babies | RCOG
GBS is not a sexually transmitted disease and most women carrying GBS will have no symptoms. Carrying GBS is not harmful to you but it can affect your baby around the time of birth. GBS can occasionally cause serious infection in newborn babies, and, very rarely, during pregnancy and before labour.
6
Article
Preventing Group B Strep Disease in Newborns | Group B Strep | CDC
There are ways to help protect a newborn from getting a groupBstrep (GBS) infection.
8
Article
Prevention of Group B Streptococcal Early-Onset Disease in Newborns | ACOG
Group B streptococcus bacteriuria at levels of 105 CFU/mL or greater, either asymptomatic or symptomatic, warrants acute treatment and indicates the need for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis at the time of birth Table 1. Identification of asymptomatic bacteriuria with GBS during pregnancy ...
10
Article
Group B Strep in Pregnancy: Understanding Risks, Testing and Treatment
There’s no vaccine for group B strep. Preventing the bacteria from transmitting from mother to baby during childbirth is done by giving mom antibiotics during labor. “The first line of treatment is giving the mother penicillin through an IV during labor. Many moms ask if they can be treated ...