Why should I take the test?💡

Group B strep (GBS) is a type of bacteria commonly found in the vaginas of many women. While it is harmless to adults who have it, GBS can be transmitted to your baby during childbirth, especially without treatment, which can lead to serious health problems for the infant.

All moms should be routinely tested for GBS although you do not have any symptoms. Babies who pick up GBS during childbirth are at risk of developing a serious infection if moms are not carefully checked.

How is the test done?💉

The test is often conducted around week 36 of pregnancy. Your practitioner will test for group B strep by taking a swab of your vagina and a separate swab of your rectum during a pelvic exam at a prenatal appointment. The swabs then are sent to a lab for analysis.

GBS can also show up in a urine sample obtained during a prenatal checkup. If GBS is detected, it can be treated right away with oral antibiotics and again in labor with IV-administered antibiotics.

TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:

Risks of the procedure

There are no risks associated with the group B strep test. Testing means that your baby has a much better chance of being protected from a GBS infection shortly after birth and staying healthy.

Treatment of GBS

If the bacteria is detected, you will be given antibiotics through an IV during labor. The risk of the baby getting early onset much decreases.