Group B strep test in pregnancy
Know your risk
Group B Streptococcus, or Group B Strep, is a bacterium that naturally resides in the bowel and vagina of about 25% of women in the UK. It poses no harm to the individual carrying it and is not sexually transmitted. Our Group B Strep test in pregnancy will assist you in understanding your potential risk for infection.
What is Group B Strep?
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium found in around 20-30% of adults, primarily within the digestive tract, and it is present in the vagina for approximately one in four women, often without noticeable symptoms.
While GBS typically does not cause problems, it can occasionally lead to infections. This is particularly true for newborn babies, though it can also affect adults, and in rare instances, it may cause complications during pregnancy or prior to delivery.
GBS is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection. Treating a woman or her partner for GBS does not prevent the possibility of the bacteria reappearing.
There are two forms of GBS infection in newborns:
. Early-onset GBS infection, which accounts for around two-thirds of cases, occurs within the first six days of life. A key sign is the sudden onset of respiratory difficulties, often linked to blood infection.
. Late-onset GBS infection tends to manifest as GBS meningitis and usually appears between six days and one month of age. In rare instances, it can develop up to three months after birth. Beyond this age, GBS infections in infants are extremely rare.
GBS is known to be associated with preterm births, maternal infections, stillbirths, and late miscarriages. Premature babies face a heightened risk of GBS infection due to their less mature immune systems.
In the UK, about one in every 1,000 babies is affected by a Group B Strep infection.
On average, in the UK:
. Two babies develop a GBS infection every day
. One baby dies each week as a result of the infection
. One baby survives each week with long-term disabilities, which may be physical, cognitive, or both.
Why is it important to know about Group B Strep if I’m pregnant?
Babies can be exposed to Group B Strep during or around the time of birth if their mother is a carrier. While most babies will be unaffected, in some cases, the bacteria can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications.
How do I find out if I’m a carrier of Group B Strep?
Group B Strep can be identified through a swab taken from the vagina and rectum, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Because GBS colonisation can fluctuate, testing is usually carried out after 35 weeks of pregnancy.
Routine GBS testing is not available through the NHS.
What if I test positive for Group B Strep?
If your test confirms that you are carrying Group B Strep, it is important to inform your healthcare team, including your midwife or obstetrician, during your pregnancy. They will usually recommend antibiotics once labour begins to reduce the risk of infection.
Availability
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