Group B Streptococcus
Group B streptococcus is a bacterium that is present in the vagina and gastrointestinal areas of 10% to 30% of pregnant women, though it rarely causes an infection. If an infection does develop, the bacteria may infect the uterus, amniotic fluid, urinary tract, and any incision made during a caesarean section. At delivery, when the baby passes through the birth canal, infection can spread to the baby’s bloodstream.
Some women have an increased risk of passing this infection on to their baby e.g. those with premature rupture of membranes (waters broken early), or prolonged delay between rupture of membranes and delivery, or those with a raised temperature during delivery. The recommendation for these women is to receive antibiotics intravenously during labour.
Limitations of Group B strep screening
The available screening tests may not detect some women with Group B streptococcus. Labour may begin before the test results are available. Routine screening is not recommended.