GBS in pregnancy

What is GBS?

GBS, or Group B streptococcus, is a bacteria that is commonly present in the vagina and rectum in many women. It is not harmful under normal circumstances but can occasionally cause serious infections for newborns delivered vaginally.

What is GBS screening?

This is a vaginal swab that is taken from your lower vagina from 35 weeks of pregnancy onwards. It is sometimes done if you are in danger of premature birth.

I tested GBS positive. What does this mean for my pregnancy?

Testing GBS positive does not mean your pregnancy becomes high risk. There may be a slightly increased risk of having a urinary tract infection or infection of the uterine lining after delivery; however this will not affect when or how you will deliver your baby.

Being GBS positive simply means that you should come to the hospital once you start having signs of labour and/or your waters break as you will need 4 hours of intravenous antibiotics before delivery to reduce the risk of your baby coming down with GBS infection. You will generally be offered an induction of labor if you are term and your waters have broken if you are GBS positive.

If you are scheduled for a caesarean section, you do not need additional treatment except for routine antibiotics required for a major operation.

What are the signs of GBS infection in my baby?

If you receive adequate antibiotics, the risk of your baby developing GBS infection is low at 1 in 4000. He/she is at higher risk of getting GBS infection if he/she is born preterm, or if your waters have broken for more than 24 hours before delivery.

Majority (75%) of GBS infections occur as early onset; the rest occur as late onset.

Early onset GBS develops within the first week of life and includes:

• Lung infection (pneumonia), breathing problems
• Bloodstream infection (sepsis)
• Infection of brain membranes (meningitis)
• Fever
• Feeding issues 
• Sleepiness
• Inconsolable crying 

Late onset GBS can develop from the first week to 3 months old and can cause meningitis, cerebral palsy, hearing loss or death.

Your baby’s neonatologist will monitor your baby to watch for any signs of GBS infection if he/she is at risk.