Group B Strep During Pregnancy: Care Instructions
Overview
Group B strep infection is caused by a type of bacteria. It's a different kind of bacteria than the kind that causes strep throat.
You may have this kind of bacteria in your body. Sometimes it may cause an infection, but most of the time it doesn't make you sick or cause symptoms. But if you pass the bacteria to your baby during the birth, it can cause serious health problems for your baby.
If you have this bacteria in your body, you will get antibiotics when you are in labour. Antibiotics help prevent problems for a newborn baby.
After birth, doctors will watch and may test your baby. If your baby tests positive for Group B strep, your baby will get antibiotics.
If you plan to breastfeed your baby, don't worry. It will be safe to breastfeed.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- If your doctor or midwife has prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
- Tell your doctor or midwife if you are allergic to any antibiotic.
- If you go into labour or your water breaks, go to the hospital. Your doctor or midwife will give you antibiotics to help protect your baby from infection.
- Tell the doctors, midwife, and nurses if you have an allergy to penicillin.
- Tell the doctors, midwife, and nurses at the hospital that you tested positive for group B strep.
When should you call for help?
Call your doctor, midwife, or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
- Pain or burning when you urinate.
- A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
- Pain in the flank, which is just below the rib cage and above the waist on either side of the back.
- Blood in your urine.
- A fever.
- You think you are in labour or your water has broken.
- You have pain in your belly or pelvis.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor, midwife, or nurse advice line if you have any problems.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: June 12, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
