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Knowledge is power – that’s why knowing the facts about group B strep (GBS) is so important. We aim to clarify some common misconceptions surrounding GBS, providing accurate information based on current medical understanding and guidelines. By addressing these misconceptions head-on, we hope to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their babies. There are many misconceptions surrounding GBS, so let’s separate the facts from the fiction!
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GBS MISCONCEPTIONS
FICTION
GBS is only a concern at birth.
FACT
Group B Strep is not only a concern at birth. It is also a concern during pregnancy and early infancy. During pregnancy, GBS can infect babies in the womb and potentially cause miscarriage or stillbirth. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and several studies, GBS can cross intact membranes. (1) GBS can also cause preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes. (See video presentation by Dr. David M. Aronoff.) Babies can be miscarried, stillborn, born premature or be very sick at or soon after birth due to GBS infection that began prior to birth. After a baby is born, they are still susceptible to GBS up to several months of age due to their underdeveloped immune systems and can be infected by sources other than their mother.
FICTION
IV antibiotics aren’t worth it.
FACT
IV antibiotics for GBS-positive pregnant women during labor are crucial to help protect newborns from early-onset GBS disease, based on robust evidence demonstrating significant reductions in neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with GBS infections. Early-onset GBS disease in newborns can be severe, causing conditions such as sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis within the first week of life. Studies have shown that administering antibiotics during labor to GBS-positive women reduces the incidence of early-onset GBS disease in newborns by over 80%. Antibiotics are most effective when administered intravenously during labor because they help reduce the bacterial load in the birth canal at the time of delivery, minimizing the chances of transmission to the newborn during passage through the birth canal. ​
FICTION
GBS only affects pregnant women.
FACT
While GBS is commonly associated with pregnancy, it can also affect non-pregnant adults. According to the CDC, most cases of GBS disease in adults are among those who have other medical conditions. Learn more about GBS in nonpregnant adults.
​FICTION
GBS stillbirths are “rare” or “very rare.”
FACT
Until recently there has not been surveillance data to determine how often GBS stillbirths actually occur, pathology testing is not always done, and fetal death records are seldom updated with the final diagnosis. It is currently estimated that 46,000 babies are stillborn due to GBS each year worldwide.(3)
​FICTION
All babies born to GBS positive mothers will be infected.
​FACT
Maternal GBS colonization does not guarantee that the baby will be infected. With proper screening and administration of antibiotics during labor (if indicated), the risk of transmission to the baby can be significantly reduced.
​FICTION
Natural remedies can eliminate GBS.
​FACT
Natural remedies such as garlic or tea tree oil have not been proven to prevent your baby from becoming infected. Some alternative treatments are unsafe. Yogurt and probiotics are known to have health benefits, but the exact impact on GBS colonization is not yet known.
PERINATAL MISCONCEPTIONS
​FICTION
Babies move less as they grow closer to term.
​FACT
While the type of fetal movements may change in the third trimester, there is no evidence to support that the number of fetal movements decrease because “there is less room for your baby to move.” (4)
​FICTION
Autopsies never find a cause.
​FACT
“A reasonable cause of death was identified in 99/124 pregnancies (79.84%).” (4) “Systematic review finds GBS causes up to 12.1% of stillbirths…”, (2) ​Please be aware that besides full autopsies, there are other pathology testing options which may provide answers.