Group B Strep in Pregnancy and After Birth - Patient Education Home

Group B Strep in Pregnancy and
After Birth
Group B Strep, also called GBS or Group B, is a type of bacteria found in the
intestine, vagina or rectal area. It is different from the type of strep that causes
strep throat, but they are in the same family of bacteria. GBS is a common
bacteria found in women. It does not mean that you are not clean and it does not
mean that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). About 1 in 4 women
have GBS in their bodies, but they do not feel sick or have any symptoms. There
is no vaccine yet to prevent the bacteria.
Group B Strep and Your Baby
During pregnancy, GBS becomes a concern because it can be passed to the baby
during delivery. Babies come into contact with the bacteria when passing through
the birth canal or when the mother’s water breaks. GBS can also travel up the
vagina to the baby.
GBS is one of the most common causes of infection in a newborn. The bacteria
can infect the baby’s blood or cause illness such as meningitis or pneumonia.
It is recommended that a pregnant woman be tested for GBS at 35 to 37 weeks of
pregnancy.
Protecting Your Baby from Group B Strep
• At anytime during your pregnancy, if a urine culture shows that you have
GBS, you will be given antibiotics.
• You will also be tested for GBS at 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy. A cotton
swab is used to collect samples from your vagina and rectum. It is then sent to
the lab for testing.
© Copyright, (9/14/2009) Department of Women and Infant Nursing,
The Ohio State University Medical Center - Upon request all patient
education handouts are available in other formats for people with
special hearing, vision and language needs, call (614) 293-3191.
Learn more about your health care.
More on next page

Page 2
• If you test positive for GBS at anytime during your pregnancy, you will be
given IV (intravenous) antibiotics in a vein when your labor begins or your
water breaks. This medicine is given to stop the bacteria from spreading to
your baby during birth.
Antibiotics for GBS may also be given if you have had a baby with GBS in
the past or if your GBS status is not known.
Ampicillin is the drug most often used to treat GBS. It is safe and prevents
infection in newborns. If you are allergic to ampicillin or penicillin-like
medicines, tell your doctor. Other antibiotics can be given.
• Once treated for GBS, you may breastfeed your baby. If you have any
concerns, talk with your doctor or nurse.
Signs of Group B Strep in Your Baby
In the hospital, your baby will be checked after birth for GBS. Medicine is not
needed unless your baby tests positive. Your baby will be checked again at his or
her first wellness visit. Signs of GBS most often occur the first week of life. Call
your baby’s doctor if you see any of these signs:
• A temperature of less than 97.4 degrees F or a fever greater than 99.5 degrees
F when taken under the arm
• Trouble breathing
• Baby does not wake up for feedings
• Baby has problems with movement, such as stiff or tight arms and legs, or
lack of muscle control
• Baby’s color may change from pink (normal) to pale, grey or look blue.
• Baby may not eat well
If you have any questions or concerns about your baby, please ask for help.
• In the hospital, put the call light on or call your nurse.
• At home, call your baby’s doctor if your baby has any signs of GBS. Call
911 if your baby is having trouble breathing.
Talk to your doctor or others on your health care team if you have
questions. You may request more written information from the Library
for Health Information at (614) 293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.