Group B Strep

[2019Al]

Hi, I delivered my baby via planned c section and he was born with congenital pneumonia which he had contracted in utero. I have many unanswered questions and I'm hoping someone here might be able to help:

- my gynae had said that there were no indications that the amniotic fluid was infected. Can I then rule out that GBS would have caused my baby's illness? I did have a bladder infection but it was early on in pregnancy.

- if it was group B Strep, what can I do to prevent the same thing happening in a future pregnancy (assuming another planned c section). From my understanding it's pointless taking antibiotics during pregnancy

[GBSSadmin Partner Volunteer Group B Strep Support]

Hi,

I'm really sorry to hear your baby developed an infection, and do hope they've made a good recovery.

In terms of what caused your baby's infection, this is a question that's best asked of your health professionals. The details of your baby's infection will very likely be in their medical notes, and your hospital may invite you to meet with a senior obstetrician (pregnancy specialist), midwife and/or paediatrician/neonatologist (specialist in looking after newborn babies) to discuss their illness. If they haven’t, you can choose to contact them and request such a meeting. We have more information about getting information around a baby's infection at gbss.org.uk/info-support/we... (towards the bottom of the page)

When you’re having a Caesarean, you should be offered broad-spectrum IV antibiotics at the time of the C-section which are effective against a wide range of bacteria, including GBS. National best practice, supported by our Medical Advisory Panel, is that additional antibiotics specifically against GBS infection developing in your newborn baby are not recommended.

The chance of a baby developing a GBS infection before labour starts and before your waters have broken is very small. And, for this to be happening just as you are about to have an elective Caesarean section is even smaller.

Our Medical Advisory Panel has carefully considered the evidence, looking at the balance of the potential risks and the potential benefits of having antibiotics additional to those recommended for women having a Caesarean section and don’t recommend them.

Of course, every pregnancy is different. We'd suggest discussing your individual circumstances and concerns with your consultant you can work together on a plan that you’re happy with for a future pregnancy. We at GBSS can only provide general information, we can't give medical advice.

Oliver