Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that is found normally in the intestines and genital tract of about one out of five pregnant women. Although it usually does not cause serious illness in the mother, it can cause serious infections in the baby, including infections of the blood, spinal fluid, and lungs. GBS is the most common cause of these types of serious infections in newborns. Pregnant women are routinely tested for GBS late in pregnancy, usually between weeks 35 and 37, by taking a swab of the vagina and rectum. If a woman tests positive for GBS, she can receive antibiotics during labor to kill the bacteria and prevent the spread of GBS to the baby. Women who have had a previous baby that had a GBS infection or women who during the current pregnancy have a urinary tract infection with GBS have an increased risk of having a baby with GBS infection and can benefit from receiving antibiotics during labor.
Here are some commonly asked questions about GBS in pregnancy and infants, along with their answers:
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What is GBS? GBS is a type of bacteria that is found normally in the intestines and genital tract of about one out of five pregnant women. Although it usually does not cause serious illness in the mother, it can cause serious infections in the baby, including infections of the blood, spinal fluid, and lungs.
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How can GBS affect babies? GBS can cause serious infections in newborns, including infections of the blood, spinal fluid, and lungs. It is the most common cause of these types of serious infections in newborns.
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How can GBS be prevented in babies? Pregnant women are routinely tested for GBS late in pregnancy, usually between weeks 35 and 37. If a woman tests positive for GBS, she can receive antibiotics during labor to kill the bacteria and prevent the spread of GBS to the baby.
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How common is GBS? About one out of four pregnant women (25 percent) carry GBS bacteria.
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What are the risk factors for GBS infection in babies? Newborns are at increased risk for GBS disease if their mother tests positive for the bacteria late in pregnancy. Babies who are born prematurely or have a low birth weight are also at increased risk.
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What are the symptoms of GBS infection in babies? Symptoms of GBS infection in babies can include fever, difficulty feeding, lethargy, and breathing problems.
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How is GBS infection in babies treated? GBS infection in babies is usually treated with antibiotics ...
