Group B streptococcus, or GBS, also known as
group B strep, is one of many different bacteria that normally live in our bodies. Approximately one third of us "carry" GBS in our intestines without knowing.
About a quarter of women also have it in their vagina (RCOG 2003:1). Most don't know it's there, as it doesn't usually cause problems or symptoms.
However, in rare cases GBS can cause serious illness and even death in newborn babies.