After your baby is born

Congratulations on your baby’s arrival

The information below is for you, a friend or a relative who has just had a baby and wants to know more about what to expect after the baby has arrived.

How will my baby be monitored after birth?

If your baby is born at full term (after 37 completed weeks) and you received IV antibiotics in labour at least 4 hours before giving birth, no special additional monitoring for group B Strep is routinely recommended after birth.

If your baby is considered to be at higher risk of group B Strep infection and you did not get IV antibiotics at least 4 hours before giving birth, your baby will be monitored closely for signs of infection for at least 12 hours. This will include assessing your baby’s general wellbeing, heart rate, temperature, breathing and feeding.

If you have previously had a baby who developed group B Strep infection, your baby will be monitored for 12 hours even if you had at least 4 hours of IV antibiotics in labour before giving birth.

After the baby is 12 hours old, the chance of your baby developing group B Strep infection is very low and neither you nor your baby will need antibiotics unless you or your baby becomes ill.

Always, parents should be alert for any signs that could mean the baby is developing infection, and escalate if any arise. Click here for more information.

Can I still breastfeed?

Yes, it is safe to breastfeed your new baby.

Breastfeeding has not been shown to increase the risk of group B Strep infection, and it offers many benefits to both you and your baby.

If you develop mastitis or a breast abscess, you should seek medical advice regarding breast-feeding. Click here for more information.

How can I reduce the risk of my baby developing a group B Strep infection after its born?

There are no known ways to prevent group B Strep infection after a baby is born.

Knowing the typical signs of group B Strep infections in young babies is essential. Early treatment is key.

Most babies will not develop a group B Strep infection, though it is important to be aware of what the signs of this infection are, and when to take action – click here for more information.

Good hygiene measures are important for a young baby and, since group B Strep may be carried on the skin, everyone should wash and dry their hands properly before handling a baby during their first three months of life.

Group B Strep infection in babies – know the symptoms

Most babies who develop group B Strep infection become unwell in the first week of life, usually within 12 to 24 hours of birth. This is known as early-onset group B Strep (EOGBS) infection. Most of these EOGBS infections may be prevented with intravenous antibiotics given in labour to mothers who are carrying group B Strep or who have other recognised risk factors.

Babies can also develop group B Strep infection from 7 days old up to three months old. This is known as late-onset group B Strep (LOGBS) infection and is less common than EOGBS infection. Having intravenous antibiotics during labour does not prevent LOGBS infection.