GBS is a common bacterium carried in the vagina and rectum of 2-4 in every 10 women. Carrying GBS is not harmful to you, and causes no symptoms. GBS occasionally causes serious infection in newborn babies, and very rarely, during pregnancy and before labour. GBS can be detected by urine or vaginal/rectal swab tests. The NHS does not routinely offer all pregnant women GBS testing. However, if it is detected during your current or previous pregnancy or if you have had a baby who developed GBS infection in the past, you will be offered intravenous antibiotics in labour to reduce the risk of infection in your newborn baby.
GBS is a common bacterium carried in the vagina and rectum of 2-4 in every 10 women. Carrying GBS is not harmful to you, and causes no symptoms. GBS occasionally causes serious infection in newborn babies, and very rarely, during pregnancy and before labour. GBS can be detected by urine or vaginal/rectal swab tests. The NHS does not routinely offer all pregnant women GBS testing. However, if it is detected during your current or previous pregnancy or if you have had a baby who developed GBS infection in the past, you will be offered intravenous antibiotics in labour to reduce the risk of infection in your newborn baby.
