10 things to know about Group B Strep (GBS)

1. Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterial infection normally found in the vagina or rectum of 15% to 40% of pregnant women. It is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is not the same as strep throat (caused by Group A Strep).
2. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends routine screening for GBS for all women between 35-37 weeks of pregnancy. A swab of both the rectum and vaginal fluids is sent for analysis.
3. Women usually are "carriers" and do not show any signs or symptoms of GBS. However, GBS can cause bladder infections, womb infections, and stillbirth.
4. A mother can pass GBS to her baby during delivery. Not every baby born to a GBS mother will become ill. There are 1 in 100 (1%) chances that babies born to mothers with GBS will get meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis and death.
5. The following conditions will put a mother at higher risk to deliver a baby with GBS:
   • Previous baby with GBS disease
   • Ruptured membrane or labor prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy.
   • Rupture of membrane 18 hours or more prior to delivery
   • Fever during labor
6. Intravenous antibiotics (usually Penicillin) are recommended during labor to prevent and/or reduce the chance of the baby being ill.
7. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all women who have preterm labor prior to 37 completed weeks of pregnancy be treated with IV antibiotics until their GBS status is established.
8. It is not recommended to take oral antibiotics prior to labor because the GBS will return.
9. Babies with GBS disease can present as early or late-onset:
   Early onset GBS occurs within hours of deliver:
   • Breathing problems, heart and blood pressure instability
   • Gastrointestinal and kidney problems
   • Sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis
   Late-onset GBS occurs within a week or a few months of delivery:
   • Meningitis is the most common
10. Babies with GBS are treated with intravenous antibiotics.
    • Go to the hospital when your water breaks or you are in labor:
    • Inform the staff if you do not know your GBS Status
    • Inform the staff if you are Group B strep carrier*
    • Inform the staff whether you are allergic to Penicillin.
    • IV antibiotics will be administered and work best if you receive treatment four hours prior to delivery