Group B Strep Awareness Month: a simple test can save a baby’s life

Posted: 01/07/2024

July 2024 is Group B Strep Awareness Month. Group B strep is an infection, common in adults, that can cause serious illness and death in babies. It can be tested for during pregnancy, and antibiotics during labour significantly reduce the risk of it being passed to the baby. However, the test is not offered routinely by the NHS. It is therefore important that expectant parents are aware of group B strep and how to test for it.

What is group B strep?

Group B streptococcus is a bacterium that occurs in the digestive, reproductive and/or urinary tract. It is very common among adults and usually does not cause any health problems. Many people therefore do not know that they carry it. Group B strep can, however, cause very serious health problems in people who are already vulnerable, such as young babies.

It is estimated that about 25% of pregnant people may carry group B strep bacteria, although it is difficult to be certain of this as it usually does not cause symptoms. Often the bacteria will not be passed to the baby and no problems will arise. However, occasionally, group B strep is passed on to the baby during labour. This is rare but the consequences can be very serious. Group B strep in babies can lead to illnesses such as sepsis and meningitis, which can lead to long-term injury or death.

Symptoms of group B strep

If the infection develops in a newborn baby in the first six days of its life, this is known as early-onset group B strep. The symptoms may include:

• noisy or difficulty breathing;
• being sleepy or unresponsive;
• inconsolable crying; 
• difficulty feeding or keeping milk down; 
• being floppy; 
• high or low temperature;
• blotchy skin or changes in skin colour; 
• fast or slow heart rate or breathing; 
• low blood pressure; and/or 
• low blood sugar. 

If the infection develops more than six days after the birth, this is known as late-onset group B strep. The baby may show the same symptoms as early-onset group B strep, as well as:

• being irritable with a high pitched or moaning cry; 
• blank staring; 
• disliking being handled; 
• pain on movement; 
• tense or bulging soft spot on the top of the head; 
• turning away from bright light;
• pale or blotchy skin; and/or 
• stiff jerky movements. 

It is vital to react quickly and seek medical treatment if a baby shows any of these symptoms. Early detection and treatment with antibiotics reduce the risk of serious illness and may save their life.

Testing for group B strep

Many countries test all pregnant people for group B strep, but the NHS does not, because it is so common and because testing cannot predict whether the baby will get the infection. In the UK, it is recommended that only women who are high risk for group B strep or have previously tested positive be tested. Tests are usually done at around 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy. Group B strep is also sometimes picked up during routine urine or vaginal testing during pregnancy. 

If the test comes back positive, it is recommended that IV antibiotics be given during labour, which significantly reduces the risk of passing the infection on to the baby.

The charity Group B Strep Support (GBSS) reports that the UK’s rate of group B strep infections in babies has risen since 2003. A trial is therefore currently being undertaken to see whether routine testing of all pregnant people leads to better results. 71 hospitals are taking part and the results are expected to be reported in 2025. 

In the meantime, DIY testing kits are available privately and can be ordered online for around £50. The test can be done at home at 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy and returned for testing, with results being available in a few days. If the result is positive, this can be discussed with the midwife or doctor and appropriate antibiotics should be offered during labour. 

Being aware of group B strep

Victoria Johnson, associate in the clinical negligence team, specialises in birth injury claims and sepsis claims. She comments:

“Awareness is so important with group B strep. There is a simple and inexpensive test that can help detect it during pregnancy. Treatment can then significantly reduce the risk of harm to the baby.

“I ordered this test myself when I was pregnant because I was fortunate enough to know about it. However, many parents just do not know about group B strep. It is tragic to hear of babies becoming seriously ill or dying due to lack of awareness. I would urge anyone who is pregnant or planning a family, or knows someone who is, to consider group B strep and find out more about being tested.

“It is also vital to be aware of the symptoms of group B strep in your baby and to seek medical advice immediately if you are concerned. Treatment for group B strep is much more effective the earlier it is given, so this could save your baby’s life.”

To get involved with the awareness campaign, click here.

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