Medically reviewed by Alan Lucks | MD, Alan Lucks MDPC Private Practice - New York on February 4th, 2024.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonizes the vaginal or rectal area in 25% of healthy women without causing symptoms, but can transmit to newborns during delivery.
Pregnant women are routinely screened for GBS between weeks 36-37; a positive result triggers IV antibiotics during labor to reduce infant transmission risk by 80%.
In newborns, early-onset GBS (within 7 days of birth) causes sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis with mortality rates around 2-3% even with treatment.
Adults over 65 and those with diabetes, liver disease, or compromised immunity face increased risk of invasive GBS infections including bloodstream infections and pneumonia.
Late-onset GBS in infants (7 days to 3 months) typically presents as meningitis and may occur despite negative maternal screening or prophylactic antibiotics.
Group B Strep (GBS) is a bacterial infection that can affect newborns during childbirth or in their first few months of life. If left untreated, GBS can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, or a blood infection called sepsis. However, with proper testing and treatment, this infection is preventable.
Group B Strep bacteria naturally live in the intestines and genital tract, including the vagina. Approximately 1 in 4 pregnant women carry these bacteria without any symptoms. While GBS is generally harmless to adults, it can pose a risk to newborns during delivery.
Babies can contract GBS during a vaginal delivery if the mother carries the bacteria. The risk of infection is higher in the following situations:
Preterm delivery (before 37 weeks)
Prolonged rupture of membranes (water breaking 18 hours or more before delivery)
Infection of the amniotic fluid or placenta
Previous baby with GBS infection
Maternal fever higher than 100.4°F during labor
Babies can develop two types of GBS infection:
Early-onset: Starts during the first week of life, acquired during delivery.
Late-onset: Starts a week to a few months after birth, possibly acquired at home or in the community.
Newborns with GBS may exhibit the following symptoms:
Fever
Abnormal breathing (fast, slow, or strained)
Difficulty feeding
Extreme fatigue
Irritability
Bluish skin color
If left untreated, GBS can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis. These conditions can be life-threatening and may cause long-term problems like hearing loss, learning difficulties, cerebral palsy, or seizures.
Pregnant women are typically tested for GBS between weeks 35 and 37 of pregnancy. The doctor will take a swab from the vagina and rectum and send it to a lab for analysis. A positive result indicates the presence of GBS bacteria.
If a newborn shows symptoms of GBS infection, doctors may take a sample of the baby's blood or spinal fluid for testing. A chest X-ray may also help diagnose the infection.
If a pregnant woman tests positive for GBS, antibiotics (usually penicillin or ampicillin) will be administered during labor to prevent the transmission of the infection to the baby. For those allergic to penicillin, alternative antibiotics are available.
Newborns with GBS infection may require intravenous antibiotics, fluids, oxygen, and other supportive treatments to manage symptoms.
While researchers are working on a vaccine to protect mothers and babies from GBS, it is not yet available. The most effective way to prevent early-onset GBS infection is through antibiotic treatment during labor for mothers who test positive for the bacteria.
It is important to note that antibiotics given during labor will not prevent late-onset GBS infections. Parents should remain vigilant for any symptoms of GBS in their baby, especially during the first three months of life.
By understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods for Group B Strep, expectant parents can work with their healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for their newborns.
For more information on Group B Strep, visit:
GBS screening during pregnancy and intrapartum antibiotics have dramatically reduced early-onset newborn infections from 1.7 to 0.22 per 1,000 births since the 1990s. If you're pregnant or planning pregnancy, Doctronic can help you understand GBS screening and prevention options.
When most people think of preeclampsia, they immediately associate it with dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy. However, a lesser-known but equally serious [...]
Read MorePanic attacks represent some of the most frightening experiences a person can endure, striking suddenly with overwhelming physical and psychological symptoms. These intense [...]
Read MoreWhen sleepless nights become a regular occurrence, over-the-counter sleep aids offer an accessible first line of defense against insomnia. Nearly one-third of adults [...]
Read More
