WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Understanding Group B Strep Screening

Understanding Group B Strep Screening
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that can be present in the vagina or rectum of a pregnant woman. While it is not harmful to most adults, it can pose risks to newborns during delivery.
To prevent the transmission of GBS to the baby, healthcare providers often recommend GBS screening during pregnancy.
Understanding Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
Group B Streptococcus is a bacterium commonly found in the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts of adults. It is estimated that around 10-30% of pregnant women are carriers of GBS.
While GBS may not cause symptoms or harm the carrier, it can be passed to the baby during childbirth and potentially cause severe infections, such as pneumonia, sepsis, or meningitis.
The Purpose of GBS Screening
The primary goal of GBS screening is to identify pregnant women who are carriers of GBS so that appropriate preventive measures can be taken during labor and delivery.
GBS screening is usually performed between weeks 35 and 37 of pregnancy, as the results are considered reliable during this timeframe.
Screening Process and Recommendations
GBS screening involves a simple swab of the vagina and rectum.
The swabs are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The results indicate whether GBS is present or not. Based on the results, healthcare providers can determine the best course of action.
The following recommendations are typically followed based on GBS screening results:
  • GBS-negative: If the results are negative, no additional intervention is usually required during labor and delivery. Antibiotic prophylaxis is typically not recommended in these cases.
  • GBS-positive: If the results are positive, healthcare providers generally recommend intravenous antibiotics during labor to reduce the risk of transmitting GBS to the baby. The administration of antibiotics is typically initiated at least four hours before delivery to ensure effective protection.
Considerations and Discussion with Healthcare Provider
GBS screening is considered a standard practice in prenatal care, and many healthcare providers recommend it as a routine procedure.
However, it's important to discuss your specific circumstances and any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Consider the following points:
  • Benefits: GBS screening allows for early identification of carriers, enabling the implementation of preventive measures that can significantly reduce the risk of GBS infection in newborns.
  • Risks: GBS screening itself is a low-risk procedure and does not pose any harm to you or your baby. However, it's essential to understand the potential risks associated with GBS infection in newborns if not adequately managed.
  • Informed decision-making: Discuss the benefits, limitations, and potential consequences of GBS screening with your healthcare provider. Understanding the implications can help you make an informed decision about whether to undergo the screening.
  • Alternative approaches: In some cases, women may decline GBS screening or have specific reasons for not following the recommended preventive measures. It's crucial to discuss these situations with your healthcare provider and develop an individualized care plan based on your preferences and risk factors.
Dig deeper
Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
B
Becca
13 Feb 2024

Tomorrow is my last doctors appointment and I’m so nervous I get the group b strep test done and my cervix checked to see if I’m dilated any! I’m praying I am dilated cause man I’m getting induced next Tuesday😭🙏..

3 comments
D
Damaris
Be prepared to b cramping all day just from getting your cervix checked . I could hardly get out of bed this morning n I got my cervix checked yesterday.
27 Mar 2024

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H
Hailee
When do they start checking cervix?
27 Mar 2024

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H
Hannah
16 Jun 2023

37 weeks today💕💕 Had a Drs appointment this morning,I had the group b strep test done ,and was checked for dilation the dr said I’m like 1&1/2 cm dilated.

10 comments
A
Aesha
Almost time friend
27 Mar 2024

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Hannah
Can’t wait but it’s flew by so quick and Ik I’m gonna miss the feeling of her kicks and movements 💕🥺
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lizbeth
25 May 2023

Have my OB appointment tomorrow and their gonna do the group b strep test. What should I expect from that test? Is it uncomfortable or does hurt?

7 comments
V
Vale🤍🫶
It’s just a swap on your vagina and anus, it’s not uncomfortable or anything! Don’t worry !
27 Mar 2024

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Lizbeth
Ok thank you 😊
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tiffany
6 Apr 2023

I tested positive for group b strep. Is this something I should be really worried about. I didn't have this with my other two pregnancies so I'm pretty nervous about it.

5 comments
Q
Quston
I was tested today and my doctor said it's not really something for adults to worry about but it can make newborns sick. She said that you can have it with one pregnancy and not the other. But that if you test positive they will give you antibiotics in your IV when you are in labor.
27 Mar 2024

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💕
💕Shaunda💕
I had it with my son. My doc at the time just informed me to get to the hospital early when i started having cobtractions bc they need to give me 2 rounds of meds thru the IV. My son is now 11
27 Mar 2024

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Brittany
21 Feb 2023

Just at the doctor and she felt baby girls head she is in position and has dropped 🎉🎉 2 cm dilated And got my Group B strep test done Can’t wait for baby girl to come.

1 comments

S
Shaniyah
28 Nov 2022

Anyone else get their group b strep test yet?? Just a fore warning if you didn’t… they swap ya booty whole😂 I was in shock🤦🏾‍♀️🤣

15 comments
B
Blocked user
I got mine last week
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tip006
Yes I got mines last week and it was positive so I will need to get antibiotics it’s not a disease or anything it normal for some women
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nelly
21 Nov 2022

Getting the group b strep test done and having an hemorrhoid definitely ain't it sis 😩😭

2 comments
B
Bethany
Don't scare me like this.... Mine are sooo bad 😞
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nelly
It's not all the way bad, but once the q-tip touch your ass it's just discomfort. My Obgyn prescribed me suppository for hemorrhoids
27 Mar 2024

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❤️‍🔥Nicole❤️‍🔥
21 Nov 2022

36 week appointment tomorrow. Not excited about the group strep b test but excited to be going weekly after this appointment.

2 comments
B
Brianna
It is painless fast and easy no need to worry!
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kalyssa
They should just use a cue tip and swab the outer skin of the vagina 10 times. My doctor said it’s not suppose to go in the butt like some doctors do
27 Mar 2024

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B
Becca
10 Aug 2022

Got that Group B strep swab today along with my second cervical check😬. Hopefully I’m dilated some cause I’m getting induced on the 22nd😩 fingers crossed 🤞🏼

2 comments
A
Ari
I was NOT ready for that strep b test yesterday 😭 I didn’t even know it was a thing
27 Mar 2024

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B
Becca
Yeah I’m not really ready either lol especially cause my hooha looks weird now😅 a little tmi I know sorry😂. But places got hairy and darker😭
27 Mar 2024

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M
Madison
25 May 2022

What was the group b strep test like??? My dr said I have to do it Tuesday. ( I’m very aware I don’t HAVE to) but I just would like anyones experience with it and how it goes

7 comments
B
Bailey
What is that??? My doctor hasn’t mentioned anything about that to me 🤔
27 Mar 2024

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M
Madison
Mine never did until my 35 weeks appointment which was today , he told me we will be doing it next week ! It’s a swab gbs I think it’s a bacteria test they swab your vagina and rectum
27 Mar 2024

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