Group B Strep: The facts every mum-to-be should know

Group B Strep (GBS) is the most common cause of life-threatening bacterial infection in newborn babies in the UK. The good news is that it can usually be prevented.

What is GBS?
GBS is a normal bacteria carried by up to 30% of adults. Most people who carry GBS aren’t aware of it, as it causes no symptoms.

If a pregnant woman is carrying GBS, her baby may be exposed to the bacteria around labour. For most babies this causes no problems, for others it’s deadly: causing meningitis, pneumonia and blood poisoning.

How can GBS infections be prevented?
Giving antibiotics during labour to women at higher risk of passing on the bacteria would prevent 80% of GBS infections in newborn babies.

How can I find out if I carry GBS?
GBS can come and go - a swab test at 35-37 weeks will best predict whether you will be carrying GBS at delivery.

A sensitive test is not usually available on the NHS. To find out about getting a sensitive test contact The Doctors Laboratory on 020 7307 7373 or at gbs@tdlpathology.com. Test packs are free, and the postal service for carrying out the test costs £32.

Signs of early-onset GBS infection in babies in their first 2 days of life:

• Grunting
• Poor feeding
• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• High or low temperature
• Abnormal breathing

Late-onset GBS infection in babies aged 2 days to 3 months
Late-onset GBS infection is much rarer than early onset GBS infection and usually presents as meningitis with septicaemia. It is almost unknown after three months of age.

Warning signs of late-onset GBS:

• Fever;
• Poor feeding and/or vomiting;
• Shrill or moaning cry or whimpering;
• Dislike of being handled;
• Tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot on head);
• Stiffening or jerking movements;
• Floppy body;
• Blank, staring or trance-like expression;
• Altered breathing patterns;
• Turns away from bright lights;
• Pale and/or blotchy skin.

Get medical help immediately if your baby shows signs of GBS or meningitis.

For more information about GBS contact Group B Strep Support, tel: 0870 803 0023 or go to www.gbss.org.uk

Group B Strep Support is campaigning for every pregnant woman in the UK to be offered reliable testing for GBS on the NHS. You can support the campaign by signing a petition at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/groupbstrep.