Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Group B Streptococcus Prophylaxis in Labour
RCOG GTG 36 — risk-based intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent early-onset GBS disease.
Source: RCOG GTG 36 (2017)
Step 1 of ~3
info
GBS Background + UK Approach
GBS colonisation in 20–30% pregnancies; transmission to baby ~50% if not treated; 1–2% develop invasive disease (sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia). UK uses RISK-BASED screening (NOT routine swabbing).
Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) indicated:
• Previous baby with invasive GBS disease.
• GBS bacteriuria in current pregnancy.
• Maternal pyrexia ≥38°C in labour.
• PROM ≥18h before labour.
• Preterm labour (<37 weeks).
• Incidental GBS detection on swab (vaginal/rectal) in current pregnancy.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Cefalexin (UTI / GBS Prophylaxis in Pregnancy) · First-Generation Cephalosporin — Obstetric Antibiotic
- Clindamycin (BV / GBS Prophylaxis) · Lincosamide Antibiotic — Obstetric / Gynaecological
- Co-amoxiclav (Open Fracture Antibiotic Prophylaxis) · Beta-lactam / Beta-lactamase Inhibitor Combination
- Nitrofurantoin (Paediatric — UTI Prophylaxis) · Urinary Antiseptic Antibiotic
- Palivizumab · RSV Prophylaxis — Monthly Monoclonal Antibody (High-Risk Infants)
- Azithromycin (COPD Exacerbation Prophylaxis) · Macrolide antibiotic (anti-inflammatory / prophylactic)
Pathways
- Spinal Anaesthesia Hypotension Management · AAGBI; ASA
- Pre-Eclampsia / Eclampsia in ED · NICE NG133; RCOG Green-top 10A
- Suspected Ectopic Pregnancy · NICE NG126; RCOG Green-top 21
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) · International PCOS Guideline 2023; NICE CKS
- Pre-eclampsia Management · NICE NG133 2019
- Ectopic Pregnancy · NICE CG154 / RCOG GTG 21
Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.