Emmerdale - Group B Strep Support
Group B Strep is the most common cause of infection in newborn babies causing meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia. Most babies recover fully, but sadly some die, and some recover with disabilities. Around 1 in 4 women carry GBS, typically in the gut or vagina. This is normal and rarely causes symptoms to the carrier. GBS can cause infection, however, in newborn babies when the bacteria are transmitted to the baby, typically around labour or after birth. It is possible to test for carriage at the later stage of pregnancy, however this isn’t routinely offered on the NHS. If carriage is found, mum will be given antibiotics during labour.