Group B Streptococcus or GBS is a common bacteria that many people have in their intestines. It can spread to the abdomen and cause a urinary tract infection. In this article you can read more about GBS.

GBS stands for group B streptococcus and is a group of bacteria that is commonly found in the human intestine/abdomen. The bacteria can therefore be transmitted during, for example, sexual intercourse. Approximately 30% of all pregnant women carry GBS, at least periodically, during pregnancy. Sometimes the bacteria can give lead to a urinary tract infection, which is why maternal health care providers treat you well when symptoms occur (such as contractions, pressure, burning when urinating).

A GBS infection in the pregnant person does not necessarily mean that the child will be infected during pregnancy or childbirth. Transmission to the baby can occur, most often during childbirth, where the newborn baby can carry the bacteria into its lungs. If your child contracts a GBS-related infection, it will usually happen during the first week. If your child becomes ill later, the route of infection is less clear. Children who are born prematurely have a less developed immune system and are therefore less protected from infections. Premature water breaking also involves an increased risk of transmission to the child.

Approximately 70% of all babies born where the mother has GBS receive GBS bacteria. Antibiotics can be given to prevent infection in the child and are given to mothers with risk factors during childbirth. If the mother receives antibiotics during childbirth, the risk of infection in the child is significantly reduced.

It is unusual for newborn children to get a serious GBS infection (about 1-2/1000), and at the maternity ward, special checks are always made on the newborn baby if the mother had GBS during pregnancy.