Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that can live in many adults, normally in the intestines, rectum, or vagina.
Although GBS is usually harmless in adults, and most babies exposed to it during labour or birth stay well, it can sometimes lead to serious and life-threatening infections in newborns, such as sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis.
In the UK, GBS is one of the main causes of serious infections in newborns. About 1 in every 1,600 babies gets a GBS infection, and if a mother carries GBS, the risk rises to around 1 in 400.
That’s why early recognition and appropriate treatment are so important to prevent injury and death.
How Antibiotics Help Protect Babies
If a pregnant mother is known to carry GBS or if the baby is at risk, giving antibiotics during labour can greatly reduce the chance of infection. This usually means receiving antibiotics through an IV (a drip) during labour.
You may be offered antibiotics if:
- You had a GBS urine infection during pregnancy.
- You tested positive for GBS from a swab test.
- You previously had a baby with a GBS infection.
- You show signs of infection during labour, like a fever.
- Labour starts before 37 weeks (premature labour).
- You tested positive in a previous pregnancy and tested positive again between weeks 35-37.
- Your waters break after 37 weeks, and you carry GBS, an induction, and antibiotics will be offered.
The main antibiotics used are Benzylpenicillin and Gentamicin. If you’re allergic to penicillin, doctors will choose safe alternatives based on your allergy and local guidelines.
Importantly, Clindamycin is no longer recommended for treating GBS because many bacteria have become resistant to it.
Since 2017, UK guidelines strongly advise against using Clindamycin unless laboratory tests show it will work and that there is a good reason not to use alternative recommended antibiotics.
For those with a penicillin allergy, alternative antibiotics will be considered depending on the allergy profile and local microbiology guidance.
What This Means for Families and Your Legal Rights
When medical teams treat GBS infections, they must follow the latest guidelines to keep babies safe.
Using outdated or ineffective antibiotics like Clindamycin without proper testing could be seen as below the accepted standard of care.
If your baby was harmed because the recommended antibiotics were not prescribed, this may amount to medical negligence. Our experienced medical negligence team has seen cases where incorrect antibiotic choices have led to catastrophic outcomes, including severe brain injury or neonatal death. These situations are devastating and often preventable when the guidelines and protocols are followed.
Monitoring and Prevention at Birth
Guidelines also stress the need to watch newborns closely if they are at risk of GBS infection.
Quick treatment can prevent serious illness or worse. Babies showing signs of infection must receive immediate antibiotic treatment. Timely intervention can mean the difference between full recovery and lifelong disability or neonatal death.
Raising Awareness, Saving Lives
During Group B Strep Awareness Week 2025, we encourage all families and healthcare professionals to stay informed about GBS. Knowing the risks, understanding treatment options, and ensuring proper care can protect babies and save lives.
If you or your family have been affected by Group B Strep and suspect mistakes were made in your care, please reach out. Our friendly, compassionate legal team is here to listen and guide you every step of the way.
