If you’re in your third trimester of pregnancy, you’ve probably heard your provider mention Group B Strep screening. Hearing the words “positive test” can feel overwhelming for expecting parents, but the good news is Group B Strep is both common and manageable. During Group B Strep Awareness Month, we’re taking a closer look at what it is, why we screen for it during pregnancy, and what your test results mean to help you feel more informed and confident as you prepare for labor and delivery.
What is Group B Strep?
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that naturally lives in the digestive tract, urinary tract, or vagina and rectum. It is not a sexually transmitted infection, and in most cases, it does not cause symptoms in healthy adults.
In fact, approximately 1 in 4 pregnant women carry GBS. Colonization of the bacteria can come and go naturally, so a person who tests negative in one pregnancy may test positive in another. While GBS is usually harmless for the pregnant person, during labor, GBS can be passed to the baby, and in rare cases, it is possible this can lead to serious newborn infections, including sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. This is exactly why routine screening is recommended.
The GBS Screening Process
Screening for Group B Strep is done between 36 and 38 weeks of pregnancy as a routine part of prenatal care, per current ACOG guidelines. The test itself requires a quick swab of the lower vagina and rectum, which only takes a few seconds and is usually not painful.
A negative result means there is no GBS detected at the time of testing, and typically no antibiotics are needed during labor. A positive result simply means you carry the bacteria.
What a Positive Result Does and Doesn’t Mean
Receiving a positive GBS result can feel intimidating, but it’s important to understand what it actually means. A positive result does mean:
- You’ll receive antibiotics during labor.
- Your delivery team will be aware and prepared with a plan to help protect your baby.
- Your baby may be monitored after birth.
A positive result DOES NOT mean:
- You have an active infection.
- You or your baby are unhealthy.
- You’ll need a C-section.
- Your baby will definitely become sick.
- You’ve done anything wrong.
Group B Strep positivity is extremely common. Modern screening and antibiotics have dramatically reduced newborn infections, and many patients deliver perfectly healthy babies after testing positive for GBS.
How Group B Strep is Managed During Labor
Antibiotics for Group B Strep are provided through an IV during labor, not before, because medication taken during pregnancy will not reliably eliminate GBS. The bacteria often return, so giving antibiotics during labor better protects the baby during delivery.
Ideally, antibiotics are started at least 4 hours before delivery to allow enough medication to reach the baby and significantly reduce the risk of early-onset GBS disease. Penicillin is typically the first choice of antibiotic in this situation, but alternatives are available for allergies. Every labor is different, so rest assured, even if labor moves quickly, your care team will make the best treatment decisions for you and your baby based on your individual situation.
What to Watch for After Delivery
After delivery, most mothers recover normally. Rarely, watch for fever, increasing pain, redness around incisions or tears, heavy bleeding, or foul-smelling discharge, and contact your provider if you see these occur. While these symptoms are usually unrelated to GBS, they can be signs of postpartum infections and should always be evaluated promptly.
When it comes to the baby, healthcare teams routinely monitor newborns after delivery. Once you’re home, parents should watch for:
- Difficulty feeding
- Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
- Trouble breathing
- Fever or unusually low body temperature
- Irritability or limpness
These symptoms are uncommon, but if you notice them, contact your pediatrician right away. Early evaluation and treatment are important!
Group B Strep screening is one of the many ways prenatal care helps protect both mother and baby. While receiving a positive result may feel scary and unexpected, it’s important to remember that GBS is common, routine to screen for, and highly manageable with appropriate care during labor. At Essex County OB/GYN, we’re committed to helping you feel informed and supported throughout your entire pregnancy. If you have questions about Group B Strep, labor, or what to expect during your third trimester, don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider.
Ready to learn more or schedule your next prenatal appointment? Contact our office today.