Group B Strep Advice and Support Center
Hello there,If you have come to this page, you need advice or information regarding GBS.
Group B strep (GBS), also known as beta strep, is a common bacteria found in about 1 in 4 pregnant women. Most women who carry GBS do not have symptoms. Any woman can have this bacteria at any time during any pregnancy. While usually not harmful to pregnant women, some babies who are exposed to GBS during pregnancy, birth, or after delivery, become sick or even die.
How can I protect my baby?
Get tested for GBS at 35-37 weeks of every pregnancy! Your care provider will take a simple Q-tip swab, also called a culture, from your vagina and sometimes rectum. Test results may take 2 - 3 days. If positive, you carry GBS.
Take extra precautions!
GBS cultures can occasionally show a false negative test result or your status may change by the time you go into labor. Call your hospital to see if they have the ne IDI-Strep B. This rapid test has been approved to determine GBS status during labor, or at any other time during pregnancy, in less than 1 hour. Its currently the most reliable method to detect GBS just prior to delivery.
What happens if I have Group B strep?
Tell the Labor and Delivery staff that you have GBS when you go into labor or your water breaks. You need to receive IV antibiotics during labor atleast 4 hours prior to delivery, and then every 4 hours until delivery. Antibiotics given earlier in labor provide better protection for your baby. But, is not a sure safe way of prevention.
What is early and late-onset GBS?
Most GBS infections are early onset when symptoms develop within 7 days of birth, most commonly within the first 12-24 hours of life. Prenatal testing and treatment is important for prevention of early-onset of GBS.
Late-onset GBS can happen between 7 days and 3 months of age, but even up to 6 months. Everyone should wash their hands before handling your baby as late onset GBS can be caused by sources other than the mother.
What can happen to my baby?
Early-onset GBS is most common cause of meningitis (infection of the fluid and lining of the brain), sepsis (blood infection), andpneumonia (infection in the lungs) in newborns. Some infected babies may suffer lifelong handicaps such as mental retardation, brain damage, blindness, deafness, and cerebral palsy. GBS can also cause death.
Can GBS cause miscarriages and stillbirths?
Yes. The CDC recommendations state that GBS can cross the amniotic membrane even before your water breaks or labor starts. Some experts believe that frequent or forceful internal exams and ripening gel (pitocin is less risky) can push bacteria closer to your baby so that your baby can be exposed to GBS even before your water breaks. These practices have been linked to stillbirths and a higher rate of infection in newborns. If already infected, antibiotics during delivery may not prevent early-onset GBS. (Although often beneficial, internal fetal monitors may also introduce infection to your baby)
Can GBS cause preterm labor?
Yes, labor can begin before 37 weeks dure to GBS.
Can GBS cause my water to break?
Yes. This is called PRM - Premature rupture of membranes, but labor does not start. Once the membranes have ruptured, your baby looses a significant layer of protection.
Do C- Sections prevent GBS infection?
No, as GBS still cross the amniotic membrane. According the the CDC, GBS+ women who deliver by a planned C-sections do not routinely need antibiotics because the risk of the baby becoming infected is low. However, you should still be tested for GBS status in case you go into labor before a planned C-section. GBS can also infect your C-section wound, womb, and bladder. It can also already be within the amniotic fluid well before a C-section is commenced.
If you need anymore information relating to GBS, please dont hesitate to contact me. This website is currently a work in progress, so will be updated on a regular basis.
Click here if you are pregnant and told you have GBS.
If Your Baby Has Been Infected With GBS
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Melanie Tisma melanietisma@bigpond.com
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Group B Strep
Working Towards Informing, Preventing and Suporting Women and Their Babies. Everywhere.
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