Group B Strep Awareness Week: What You Need to Know About GBS

This week marks Group B Strep Awareness Week, a vital campaign running from 8th to 14th July 2025, dedicated to raising awareness about Group B Streptococcus (GBS), the most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborns in the UK.

While GBS is often harmless in adults, it can have serious and sometimes devastating consequences for babies during and shortly after birth. Yet many parents-to-be have never even heard of it.

In this blog, we’ll explain what GBS is, why awareness is so important, how it can affect pregnancy and newborns, and what steps can be taken for testing, prevention, and treatment. We’ll also outline the signs and symptoms of infection, what support is available, and the serious risks of delayed or missed diagnosis.

Whether you’re expecting a baby, supporting someone who is, or just want to be more informed, understanding GBS could help save a life.

Learn more or seek support at GBSS.org.uk

What is Group B Strep (GBS)?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium that can be carried by both men and women. It’s usually harmless in adults, but it can cause serious illness in newborns.

Approximately 20-25% of pregnant women carry GBS in their vagina or rectum.

According to GBSS.org.uk:

• 2 babies a day develop GBS infection
• 1 baby a week dies from GBS infection
• 1 baby a week survives with long-term disability

Why is GBS awareness important?

GBS can be passed to a baby during labour and delivery, potentially leading to infections. Early-onset GBS disease (occurring in the first week of life) is the most common type of infection. Late-onset GBS disease (occurring after the first week of life) is less common but can still occur. After the first six days, the infection then becomes much less common and after the first 12 weeks, becomes very rare.

Awareness helps pregnant women and healthcare providers take necessary precautions.

Testing and Prevention of GBS:

In the UK, pregnant women are not routinely tested for Group B Streptococcus (GBS). However you can order tests online.

Testing is important because if a woman is known to be carrying GBS in pregnancy, she can be given antibiotics during labour, which significantly reduces the risk of passing it to her baby.

You may be offered antibiotics during labour if:

• You’ve tested positive for GBS in your current pregnancy
• You’ve had a previous baby with a GBS infection
• Your waters break before 37 weeks and you’re known to carry GBS

Even if you test negative, it’s important to stay alert for symptoms of infection in your baby.

Symptoms of GBS infection in newborns:

Seek urgent medical help if your baby shows any of the following signs:

• Fever
• Feeding problemsBreathing problems
• Irritability
• Inactivity or limpness
• High-pitched or whimpering cry
• Blank, staring, or trance-like expression
• Floppy or dislikes being handled
• Tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot on head)
• Turning away from bright light
• Involuntary stiff body or jerking movements
• Pale or blotchy skin

Delayed and misdiagnosis of Group B strep

Due to the nature of how GBS presents itself, it can be easy to overlook. However, missing it can have extreme consequences. Untreated Group B Strep in you and your baby can lead to:

• Sepsis,
• Pneumonia,
• Meningitis,
• Premature rupture of membranes,
• Preterm labour,
• Stillbirth,
• Infection of the amniotic fluid (chorioamnionitis),
• Infection of the lining of the uterus (endometritis).

Need advice or support?

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy and concerned about GBS, speak to your midwife or doctor. They can offer personalised advice and help you decide whether private testing is right for you.

Have you or your baby been affected by GBS?

If you believe you or your child was affected by delayed or missed diagnosis of GBS, you may be entitled to support or legal advice. Call our compassionate team on 0800 107 3000 or email advice@browells.co.uk to arrange a free consultation to discuss your experience and understand your options.