Group B Strep
Discussing Group B streptococcus
Discussion about Group B streptococcus should take place at around 35 weeks gestation so that women have received information about preventive treatment before they go into labour. This timing also enables testing at 35–37 weeks and receipt of test results, if testing is being offered. Points for discussion include:
Discussion about Group B streptococcus should take place at around 35 weeks gestation so that women have received information about preventive treatment before they go into labour. This timing also enables testing at 35–37 weeks and receipt of test results, if testing is being offered. Points for discussion include:
- Group B streptococcus is part of the normal bacteria that live in the body and anyone can become colonised with Group B streptococcus without having symptoms
- Group B streptococcus is transmitted to the baby during the birth in 1–2 per 1,000 live births and can cause serious infection in the newborn
- treatment with intravenous antibiotics during labour reduces the risk of transmission of the infection to the baby - Intravenous antibiotic treatment during labour has been shown to prevent early onset Group B streptococcus infection in 86–89% of newborns of mothers colonised before birth
- women may be advised to remain in hospital for at least 24 hours after the birth so that the baby can be observed for signs of Group B streptococcus infection.