What is Group B Strep?
Group B Strep (also known as GBS) is a bacteria which is responsible for serious infection of newborns. Babies pick up the bacteria when they are delivered through the vagina and the bacteria can overwhelm their immune system. Moms can be carriers of the bacteria without any symptoms.

How do you check for it?
It is now standard practice to do a routine culture for GBS at 35-36 weeks. This is a very simple procedure (no speculum even!) involving a Q-tip-type swab of the vaginal, urethral, and rectal areas. You will have the results the following week at your next routine appointment.

What does it mean if my result is negative?
A negative GBS test is reported to Labor & Delivery via your prenatal records. You will be checked for GBS again with any future pregnancies.

What does it mean if my result is positive?
A positive GBS test is reported to Labor & Delivery via your prenatal records. You will also be told that it is positive and that you should remind your Labor & Delivery nurse. You will receive IV antibiotics prior to delivery which will decrease the bacteria count and increase your baby’s safety.