What to expect from antenatal care for group B strep in pregnancy

Group B streptococcus is a bacterium that can be present in the vagina or bowel without causing illness. A positive result usually changes planning around labour rather than requiring treatment throughout pregnancy. Your maternity record should show the result or the reason antibiotics may be advised. The team may explain intravenous antibiotics during labour, when they are started and what happens if labour progresses quickly or waters break before contractions. Routine antenatal checks continue, and newborn staff may observe your baby after birth according to the circumstances.

Tell the hospital or midwife about the result whenever you attend for labour, leaking fluid or contractions, even if the result is already in your record. Keep the written result or maternity notes accessible. Ask what to do if your waters break, and mention any allergy to penicillin or another antibiotic before treatment is chosen. Do not use leftover antibiotics or assume that treatment outside labour follows the same plan. Learn which unit to call when labour begins.

Call your maternity unit promptly if your waters break, contractions begin, you have vaginal bleeding, fever, feel acutely unwell or notice reduced baby movements. Seek emergency help for collapse, severe breathing difficulty or a serious allergic reaction such as facial swelling or wheezing. Use the contact instructions given by your maternity team.

Ask whether antibiotics are recommended for your situation, when to call after your waters break, how allergies affect the choice, how the result will be recorded and what newborn observation may involve.