Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999
Group B Strep (GBS) is a common infection and rarely causes any problems. GBS is not routinely tested during pregnancy in Leicester as it is not recommended. GBS may be found during tests carried out for other reasons, like a urine test or vaginal swab.
If a test finds you have GBS (in your current pregnancy or before pregnancy) or if you have had a baby before that has been affected by GBS you will be advised to:
- Have antibiotics through a drip in your vein during your labour (to reduce the risk of your baby getting the infection)
- Contact the hospital as soon as you think or are in labour or if your waters break
- Give birth in hospital
- Have an induction of labour if your waters break and you are not already in labour
Your baby might have a review by the neonatal doctors after birth if the midwives have any concerns.
After discharge home, call 999 or go to the Emergency Department (A&E) if your baby gets any of these symptoms:
- Being floppy or not responding
- Grunting when breathing, or working hard to breathe when you look at their chest or stomach
- Very fast or slow breathing
- An unusually high or low temperature
- Changes in their skin colour or blotchy skin
- Not feeding well or being sick
- An unusually fast or slow heart rate
They may need treatment with antibiotics in hospital right away.
If you have any questions or worries about GBS infection, please ask your midwife.
