Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Guide for Mothers by Dr Ryan Lee

What is Group B Streptococcus (GBS)?

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that naturally lives in the vagina and rectum. Approximately 1 in 5 women carry this bacteria, which is completely normal and typically causes no health concerns or symptoms. These bacteria are simply part of the body’s natural bacterial environment.

Who’s at risk for GBS?

When a woman who is carrying GBS becomes pregnant, there’s a small risk (1-2%) of the baby acquiring a serious infection that may lead to long-term disabilities when they get exposed to this bacteria. This can happen when the water breaks, as that exposes the baby to the GBS in the birth canal during vaginal delivery. 

Although rare, GBS can also cause health issues in adults, particularly those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions.

Risk factors for GBS

For the vast majority of adults and babies, group B streptococcus bacteria usually don’t cause serious health problems. However, there are a few factors that can increase the likelihood of illness from these germs for both infants and adults, such as:

For infants

• A baby that's born prematurely (earlier than 37 weeks).

• If the mother experienced a high fever (38°C and above) during labour.

• If the water breaks 18 hours or more before labour starts.

• If the mother has been positively diagnosed with group B streptococcus or had a previous birth history positively diagnosed with streptococcus.

• If the placental tissues and amniotic fluid are infected with GBS (chorioamnionitis).

• The mother has a urinary tract infection during the pregnancy.

For adults

• Women over the age of 65 

• Weakened immune system

• Diabetes

• HIV infection

• Liver disease

• Heart disease

• Presence of cancerous cells that can spread to other parts of the body (malignancy)

Understanding your risk factors helps protect both you and your baby. Thomson Medical provides comprehensive health screenings and diagnostic tests as part of routine prenatal care. Early testing allows for timely medical support if needed. Request an appointment with our healthcare team for a thorough assessment.

Symptoms of GBS

In infants, illness caused by GBS can present as early as six hours after birth (early onset) or develop over weeks or months after birth (late onset). 

In contrast, most adults with GBS usually don't show symptoms, however, older adults and people with certain medical conditions may be more likely to experience health problems.

Here are the symptoms of GBS that may happen, such as:

If you or your baby are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, request a consultation with our specialists at Thomson Women's Clinic. Our healthcare professionals are ready to provide you with a reliable assessment and a customised treatment plan.

Diagnosis

To indicate the presence of group B streptococcus in pregnant women, your obstetrician will do a vaginal swab between weeks 36 and 37 of your pregnancy. This test aims to obtain samples of cells from the vagina and rectum, which are then sent to a laboratory for examination.

The result of this test usually comes back within 48 hours. If your test results are positive, don't worry; this just indicates that you are carrying the bacterium and doesn't mean that you or your unborn child will get sick.

However, if your newborn baby appears ill, additional tests may be needed. These include a chest X-ray or taking spinal fluid from the spinal cord (lumbar puncture) to check if there is an infection in the membrane surrounding the spinal cord or brain (meningitis). 

For adults who show signs of infection, a blood test can be done to determine if group B strep is the cause of it.

Treatment for GBS

The type of treatment for the GBS condition will be tailored specifically to the individual affected by it.

Infants

As soon as the doctors suspect that your newborn baby has a GBS infection, your healthcare provider will begin treatment with intravenous antibiotics.

This treatment will last for at least 10 to 14 days; that may extend to 21 days if meningitis is present. This treatment procedure is crucial since the infection can spread quickly and the baby's condition may worsen.

Pregnant women

Mothers who test positive for GBS during pregnancy will be treated using intravenous (IV) antibiotics during labour, which prevents up to 90% of GBS infections in newborns. The most common antibiotic to treat GBS is penicillin or clindamycin (for mothers who are allergic to penicillin).

These antibiotic treatments will be administered at least four hours before delivery, where they are most effective. This approach helps prevent GBS from growing again when the labour begins or when your water breaks.

However, there is an exception to this procedure, which is when GBS is found in your urine during pregnancy. In this case, oral antibiotics to treat the urinary tract infection begin right away, regardless of the stage of pregnancy. But you'll still receive antibiotics during labour for extra protection.

Adults

Antibiotics are an effective treatment for group B strep infections in adults. The location and severity of the infection, as well as your current health, will help your healthcare provider decide which antibiotic to use.

Preventing GBS infection

To help prevent GBS transmission to your baby, your healthcare providers will perform a group B strep screening as part of your routine antenatal care. If the resulting test is positive, antibiotic treatment during labour can help reduce the risk of infection to the baby. 

Most newborns who get GBS don't become sick. However, these bacteria can cause severe and even life-threatening infections in a small percentage of newborns.

Remember, Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common part of the body's natural bacterial environment. Testing positive for GBS doesn't mean you have an infection or illness; it simply means these bacteria are present in your body. 

While GBS requires attention during pregnancy, modern medical care has made it very manageable. Regular prenatal check-ups, timely testing, and appropriate treatment during labour have proven highly effective in protecting both moms and babies.

At Thomson Medical, our healthcare team will guide you through every step of your pregnancy journey, ensuring you and your baby receive the best possible care. Request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical to discuss any concerns about GBS during your pregnancy. 

FAQ

What is GBS group B streptococcus positive?

Being "GBS positive" indicates that these bacteria are present in your body but doesn't necessarily mean that you will become ill. Approximately one in five women has this bacteria without knowing it, as GBS usually doesn't cause any symptoms.

Is GBS an STD or STI?

No, GBS is not a sexually transmitted disease or infection; it's a common bacterium that occurs naturally in the intestines, as well as the genital and urinary tracts. You may carry this bacteria temporarily, or you might harbour it consistently over time.

Is group B strep something to worry about?

Although GBS is generally harmless in healthy adults, it requires attention during pregnancy or in those with underlying health conditions. If you test positive for GBS during pregnancy, you'll be administered antibiotics during labour, which prevents GBS infections in the babies.

Additionally, to treat group B strep infections in adults, antibiotics are also an effective treatment. The choice of antibiotic depends on the infection's location and severity, as well as your overall health condition.

How do you get a group B streptococcus carrier?

Group B streptococcus bacteria aren't a sexually transmitted disease, and they're not spread through person-to-person contact or from sharing food or drinks with an infected person. How the bacteria are spread to anyone apart from newborns during vaginal delivery isn't known.

Can group B strep be cured?

GBS is a type of bacteria that occurs naturally in the vagina and rectum in about 1 in 5 women. It is completely normal and usually causes no health problems or symptoms. However, if GBS causes an active infection, there are several ways to treat it, including:

• For pregnant women who test positive for GBS, intravenous antibiotics during labour can prevent up to 90% of GBS infections in newborns.

• For newborns with GBS infection, treatment includes intravenous antibiotics for 10-14 days (or up to 21 days if meningitis is present).

• For adults with GBS infection, antibiotics are prescribed depending on the site and severity of the infection.

It's important to know that while antibiotics can treat active GBS infections, they don't permanently eliminate the bacteria from the body. A mother who tests positive for GBS in a previous pregnancy may test negative in a subsequent pregnancy, or vice versa, as the presence of these bacteria can naturally fluctuate over time.

If you have any concerns about GBS during pregnancy, discuss them with your healthcare provider; they'll provide personalised advice and care throughout your pregnancy.

Can I kiss my baby if I have GBS?

Yes, you can safely kiss and hold your baby if you have GBS. The bacteria mainly pose a risk during childbirth, which is why treatment is given during labour.  Once your baby is born, normal contact, including kissing, is safe, and it's important to foster a bond between you and your baby.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, request an appointment at Thomson Women's Clinic today.