Group B streptococcal infection

Women who have babies with group B streptococci (GBS) infection should be advised to inform their obstetrician and midwife during future pregnancies, as they will require antibiotic prophylaxis during subsequent pregnancies. The rationale for antibiotic prophylaxis should be explained to the patient.

Pregnant women with GBS bacteriuria during their pregnancy should be advised of the recommendation to have antibiotic prophylaxis during labour.

Patient information leaflets to promote awareness and provide education on the prevention of early-onset GBS infection are available from the websites of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. RCOG: group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy and newborn babies Opens in new window ACOG: group B streptococcus and pregnancy Opens in new window