Group B Strep Antibiotics During Labor

Group B streptococcus is a bacterium that can live in the bowel or vagina without causing illness. A positive screening result does not usually mean that you or your baby are unwell, and it is not the same as a sexually transmitted infection. During birth, a newborn can come into contact with the bacterium and, rarely, develop an early infection. Antibiotics given during labor lower that exposure risk. Antibiotics taken before labor generally do not provide lasting protection because the bacterium can return. A previous baby who had a group B strep infection, or group B strep found in the urine during this pregnancy, may also affect the birth plan.

Tell the maternity team about the result when labor begins or your waters break, even if it is recorded in your notes. The team can start an intravenous antibiotic and repeat doses during labor according to the local protocol. Tell them about any previous reaction to penicillin or another antibiotic; the choice may change if you have a serious allergy. Do not delay calling the maternity unit while waiting to arrange treatment at home. If labor progresses quickly, the team will still assess you and your baby and give treatment when possible. Follow the usual advice from your maternity team about coming in after your waters break.

Contact your maternity unit promptly if contractions become regular, your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding, or you develop a fever or feel suddenly unwell. Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or face, faintness, or a widespread rash after an antibiotic, because these can signal a severe allergic reaction. After birth, seek urgent medical advice if your newborn has difficulty breathing, is unusually sleepy, feeds poorly, feels hot or cold, or has a change in skin color.

Ask which result led to the recommendation, when you should call the maternity unit, which antibiotic is planned if you have an allergy, and how the newborn will be observed after birth. You can also ask what to do if labor is very fast or if you are planning a cesarean birth.