Early-onset group B streptococcus (GBS) infection is rare. Around 1 in every 1,750 newborn babies in the UK and Ireland is diagnosed with an early-onset GBS infection.
Early-onset GBS in babies is a GBS infection that begins in the first week after birth.
GBS stands for group B streptococcus. It's a common type of bacteria that can be present in the bowel and vagina. It usually causes no harm.
Many babies come into contact with the GBS during labour or birth. This causes no problems for the vast majority, but a small number of babies may become seriously ill if they're infected.
Although the infection can make a baby very unwell, most babies make a full recovery with quick treatment.
Infection is more likely if:
- your baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy – the earlier your baby is born, the greater the risk
- you previously had a baby with a GBS infection
- you had an infection of the fluid and membrane surrounding the baby during pregnancy (chorioamnionitis)
- your baby is born more than 24 hours after your waters broke
- you have a high temperature during labour
To reduce the risk of infection, mothers of high-risk babies are offered antibiotics during labour.
Pregnant women aren't routinely screened for GBS in the UK, but it's sometimes detected when tests for other infections are carried out.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has more information on GBS infection in newborn babies.