Probiotics in Pregnancy: A Natural Approach to Group B Strep (GBS)
Probiotics during pregnancy may help reduce GBS & reduce the need for antibiotics during labour.
Can probiotics help reduce your need for antibiotics during labour?
When you’re pregnant, every decision feels important — especially when it comes to your baby’s health and the choices you make around birth.
One topic that often comes up in the third trimester is Group B Streptococcus (GBS). While conventional management typically involves antibiotics during labour, emerging research is exploring whether probiotics may offer a supportive, preventative approach.
Let’s break it down simply.
What is Group B Streptococcus (GBS)?
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria commonly found in the:
gastrointestinal tract
genitourinary tract
For many people, it exists without causing symptoms. However, during pregnancy and birth, GBS can be passed to your baby and has been associated with health complications in newborns.
How is GBS managed in Australia?
In Australia:
There is no universal screening program for GBS
Some care providers offer testing around 36 weeks gestation (via swab or urine sample)
Standard hospital management often involves:
intravenous antibiotics every 4 hours during labour
Importantly, guidelines such as those from the Royal Women’s Hospital (2020) focus on preventing transmission during birth, rather than treating the bacteria earlier in pregnancy.
Why are some families exploring alternatives?
While antibiotics can be life-saving and absolutely necessary in some cases, there are growing concerns about their broader impact, including:
Disruption to gut microbiome health
Increased risk of:
allergies
autoimmune conditions
mood-related disorders
Rising antibiotic resistance
For many families, this leads to an important question:
“Is there a way to support my body and reduce the likelihood of needing antibiotics?”
Where do probiotics fit in?
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help support a healthy microbiome — particularly in the gut and vaginal environment.
Emerging research suggests they may play a role in reducing GBS colonisation.
What the research says:
A 2021 study (Lai et al.) found that daily oral probiotics during pregnancy — especially from 32 weeks — significantly reduced GBS colonisation
A 2016 study (Ho et al.) showed that women who:
tested positive for GBS at 35–37 weeks
took 2 probiotic capsules nightly
were more likely to test negative by the time of delivery
What does this mean for you?
While more research is still needed, these findings suggest that:
Supporting your microbiome may help reduce GBS colonisation
This may reduce the likelihood of requiring antibiotics during labour
It may also reduce your baby’s exposure to both GBS and antibiotics
A gentle reminder: individual care matters
Every pregnancy is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
If you’re considering probiotics during pregnancy:
Speak with your trusted healthcare provider
Choose high-quality, strain-specific probiotics
Ensure your care plan aligns with your birth preferences and medical needs
Final thoughts from The Nurture Haus
At The Nurture Haus, we believe in:
- Educated, empowered choices
- Supporting the body where possible
- Integrating natural approaches with modern medicine
Probiotics may be a beautiful, low-risk way to support your body during pregnancy — but they should always be part of a well-informed, individualised care plan.
Need support during pregnancy?
If you’re navigating decisions around GBS, birth preparation, or wanting to optimise your pregnancy journey, we’re here to support you.
Reach out to learn more about how we can support you and your baby.