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Warning: You may not want your children to read some topics in this section. |
Signs of infection
Tests for group B strep
How and when is group B strep treated?
Treating babies of mothers with group B strep
What is group B strep?
Group B streptococcus (also known as 'Strep B' or 'GBS') is a naturally occurring bacterium commonly present in various parts of the body (in both men and women). Streptococcus lives on the mucous membranes of the body (often being the cause of a Strep throat infection) but also survives in the bowel, bladder and vagina of many women in small quantities.
When group B strep bacteria are found to be present through a vaginal swab or urine test during pregnancy, it is not regarded as an actual infection (nor is it sexually transmitted infection). Rather, it is an organism that is found to be normally present in these areas, generally not causing a problem unless it grows and multiplies. Women with group B strep are usually unaware they are carrying the bacteria, and it generally does not cause them any ill health.
Group B strep tests for pregnant women have only been performed since the early 1990's. In recent years it has become a more routine test because of the small possibility (about 1-2%) that the bacteria will be passed onto the baby during pregnancy, labour or birth.
While small quantities of strep B bacteria do not create a health concern for the majority of babies, a few babies may be affected. Those babies thought to be more at risk of developing a group B strep infection can include: