What are the effects of group b strep on pregnancy and birth?

Very little: Group b strep (gbs) is present in the colon of adults. It may be in a woman's bladder or vagina, and can rarely be responsible for a bladder infection, or a uterine infection. Preterm babies can become seriously ill if exposed to gbs at the time of vaginal delivery. Term babies are much less likely to be affected by gbs colonization at the time of delivery.

Infection, delivery : Fortunately in north america we see fewer fetal or neonatal deaths or maternal illness than in the past. That is because there are accepted guidelines for giving antibiotics to decrease the risk of infection in the pregnant woman who carries gbs or the baby who is at risk of getting it. It is still a major threat to very small fetuses and neonates especially in developing nations.

Rare: Rarely the baby can become infected during labor. However doctors give women with group b strep antibiotics while in labor. This has drastically reduced the rate of infections in the baby.