Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in Pregnancy

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium found in the intestinal tract, and it can also colonise the vagina. While GBS often doesn’t cause harm in healthy adults, it can pose risks to newborns if transmitted during delivery. At Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare, our private obstetricians provide thorough screening, personalised advice, and expert care to help ensure a safe pregnancy and birth.

Why Is GBS Important in Pregnancy?

• Risk of Newborn Infection: Though uncommon, babies exposed to GBS at birth can develop serious conditions like pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis.
• Usually Asymptomatic in Mothers: Many expectant mothers carrying GBS experience no symptoms, making screening crucial for identifying potential risks to the baby.
• Treatment Options: If GBS is detected, intravenous antibiotics during labour can greatly reduce the chance of neonatal infection.

Understanding Group B Strep

How Common Is It?

Up to 25% of healthy women in the UK can carry GBS without any signs. It naturally resides in the gastrointestinal tract and may be present in the vagina intermittently.

Transmission

If a woman is colonised with GBS in late pregnancy, the bacteria can pass to the baby during vaginal delivery. However, with proper testing and, if indicated, administration of IV antibiotics in labour, the risk to the baby significantly decreases.

Possible Complications

• Early-Onset GBS Infection (within the first week of life) can manifest as breathing difficulties, fever, or feeding problems.
• Late-Onset GBS Infection (after the first week) often stems from other environmental factors; however, newborns can still be at risk if exposed at birth.

GBS Screening & Diagnosis

1. Risk-Based Screening
• Current NHS guidelines usually recommend testing for women with specific risk factors—such as a previous baby with GBS infection, or GBS detected in the current pregnancy via urine or vaginal swab.
• Some expectant mothers opt for private testing between 35–37 weeks gestation, even if they don’t have risk factors.
2. Testing Methods
• Enriched Culture Medium (ECM) Swab: This is considered the gold standard for GBS detection, with higher sensitivity than routine vaginal swabs.
• Urine Test: If GBS is found in a urine sample, it indicates a high level of colonisation; this often prompts antibiotic treatment during pregnancy and labour.
3. Interpretation of Results
• A positive test means GBS was found at the time of testing. Colonisation can be transient, so retesting in late pregnancy may be beneficial if done earlier.
• A negative result means GBS was not detected at that point, but does not guarantee future swabs will remain negative if testing occurs early.

How Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare Supports You

1. Individualised Consultation
• We start with a comprehensive review of your pregnancy history, any prior GBS infections, and whether you have additional risk factors (e.g., gestational diabetes, immunocompromised status).
2. Private Screening
• If you wish to be tested for GBS—particularly between 35–37 weeks gestation—we offer convenient appointments for ECM swabs or urine tests.
• Results are delivered promptly, allowing time for planning your labour and delivery strategy if needed.
3. Expert Management Plan
• Should you test positive, our obstetricians will discuss IV antibiotic recommendations during labour and ensure a birth plan that minimises newborn infection risks.
• We coordinate closely with midwives, hospital teams, and neonatal care to promote a safe delivery and effective newborn observation.
4. Follow-Up & Reassurance
• Our team remains available to answer your questions, adjust your care plan, and provide holistic support—addressing nutrition, overall maternal wellbeing, and any other pregnancy-related concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need antibiotics if I test positive for GBS?
   Yes, intravenous antibiotics during labour are usually recommended to significantly reduce the risk of passing GBS to your baby.
2. Will GBS harm me during pregnancy?
   GBS rarely causes symptoms in pregnant women. It typically becomes a concern when transmitting the bacteria to a newborn during birth.
3. Is it safe to deliver vaginally with GBS?
   Yes. Most GBS-positive mothers can safely deliver vaginally, provided IV antibiotics are administered in labour. Discuss your birth preferences and any planned interventions with your obstetrician.
4. Does a negative test mean I won’t have GBS later?
   Not always. GBS colonisation can fluctuate, which is why testing around 35–37 weeks is recommended for the most accurate result relative to labour timeframes.

Book Your Private Consultation

If you’re concerned about GBS in pregnancy, or wish to schedule a test, Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare is here to help. Our private obstetricians provide confidential, expert guidance to ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your baby.

Contact us today to arrange an appointment at our Dulwich or Belgravia clinic. Let our specialist team offer you the reassurance and personalised care you deserve during pregnancy.

Other Services we offer: 

Private Gynaecologists

Private GP

Private Paediatrician

Private Obstetrician & Maternity Hospital

Private Colposcopy