As you near the end of your pregnancy, your provider will perform a test to find out if you have what’s known as Group B Streptococcus (or Strep B/GBS). We’re here to talk about what it is, and share resources for a deeper understanding of Group B Strep.
What is Group B Strep?
Group B Strep is one of the many kinds of bacteria that can be found in the human body. And in case you’re wondering-it isn’t the same bacteria as Group A Strep, which is what causes strep throat. GBS can typically be found in the intestines and lower genital tract of healthy women. In fact, one in four women carry GBS bacteria in their bodies.
Is Group B Strep Dangerous?
While GBS isn’t typically harmful to adult women, it can be dangerous for your baby if it’s passed to them during childbirth. While it’s rare for your baby to become infected with Group B Strep-only about one or two babies of 100 is infected if the mother isn’t treated properly-chances are even lower when the mother is effectively treated for the bacteria during her labor.
What does it look like to test for Group B Strep?
Prenatal care providers routinely test pregnant people for GBS bacteria when they are around 35-37 weeks. Since GBS is typically found in the genital and intestinal areas, your provider will use a sterile swab to collect cells from just inside the vagina, as well as from just the inside the anus. This swab will then be sent off to the lab, and you can expect results in several days.
What happens if I have Group B Strep?
If you test positive for GBS, there’s a relatively easy treatment to ensure your baby doesn’t get infected as they enter the world. Your care team at the hospital will give you an antibiotic during labor (typically through and IV) in order to protect your little one from receiving the bacteria.
If you have any questions about the Group B Strep testing process or how your labor and delivery will be impacted if you’re a carrier, be sure to chat with your provider. They’re the best resource for ensuring both you and your baby are healthy throughout your pregnancy and delivery. And, check out this detailed article from one of our favorite resources:
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