Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Prenatal Antibiotics Linked to Higher GBS Risk in Newborns
A new study found that when moms take antibiotics during pregnancy, especially in the early third trimester, their babies might have a higher chance of getting a bacterial infection called Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease.
This infection can be serious for newborns.
The study looked at over a million babies born in Sweden and found that babies whose moms took antibiotics had a slightly higher chance of getting GBS, especially if they didn't have other risk factors.
The researchers say we need more studies and to be extra careful with babies born to moms who took antibiotics late in pregnancy.
They also suggest that antibiotics given close to delivery do not protect against GBS.
The study highlights the need for increased vigilance in monitoring these newborns.
Prenatal antibiotic exposure linked to increased neonatal GBS disease risk within four weeks of delivery.
Early third-trimester exposure showed the strongest association with GBS risk.
GBS incidence higher in exposed neonates (0.86 per 1,000) compared to unexposed (0.66 per 1,000).
Association strongest among neonates without established GBS risk factors.
Study suggests limiting prenatal antibiotic exposure may benefit neonates without GBS risk factors.
- Who
- Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and University of Antwerp in Belgium
- What
- Study on prenatal antibiotic exposure and neonatal GBS disease risk
- When
- Study period from 2006 to 2016
- Where
- Sweden
- Why
- To examine the association between prenatal antibiotic use and neonatal GBS disease
Caution with Antibiotics
Medical Necessity
Antibiotic Use in Pregnancy
Caution with Antibiotics
Limiting prenatal antibiotic exposure may reduce GBS risk in newborns, especially those without established risk factors.
Medical Necessity
Antibiotics are sometimes necessary during pregnancy to treat infections, and their benefits may outweigh the risks.
- Study Focus
- Prenatal antibiotic exposure and neonatal GBS disease risk
- Study Period
- 2006 to 2016
- Population
- 1,095,644 singleton live births in Sweden
- Antibiotic Exposure Rate
- 24.5%
- GBS Incidence (Exposed)
- 0.86 per 1,000 live births
- GBS Incidence (Unexposed)
- 0.66 per 1,000 live births
- Critical Window
- Early third trimester
- Key Finding
- Increased GBS risk in neonates without risk factors
