Performing a test for group B streptococcus in pregnant mothers
If you're pregnant, talk to your doctor or midwife about group B strep (GBS) testing when you're 36 to 37 weeks pregnant.
If you have GBS, your baby could get very sick and even die if you don't get tested and treated.
How to keep your baby protected from GBS:
1- Before 35 weeks:
If you think you might have a C-section or go into labor early, talk to your doctor or midwife about creating a GBS plan.
2- Between 35 and 37 weeks
Talk to your doctor about getting tested for GBS. If the test is negative, no further action is necessary.
3- IF THE RESULT IS POSITIVE:
A- Talk to your doctor about a plan for your labor.
B- You will receive IV (intravenous) antibiotics during labor.
This will help keep your baby protected from GBS.
C- If you are allergic to penicillin or other antibiotics, be sure to tell your doctor or midwife about any reactions you have had.
D- If you are allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics may be used during labor.
E- Keep up your regular check-up visits and tell your doctor or midwife about any problems.
When the water breaks or when labor begins:
A- Go to the hospital, antibiotics work best if you get them at least 4 hours before delivery.
B- Tell the labor staff that you have a positive GBS test result.
C- Tell the staff if you are allergic to penicillin.
4- If you go into labor or your water breaks and you haven't had a GBS test:
1- Inform staff that you have not been tested for GBS.
2- If you know you have tested positive for GBS in a previous delivery, let the staff know.
Frequently asked questions about GBS and the GBS test:
1- What is GBS?
- It is a common type of bacteria. GBS is usually found in the vagina and rectum of healthy women of all races and ethnicities.
In fact, about one in 4 women in the United States carry this type of bacteria.
These bacteria can come and go from the body naturally.
- If you have GBS bacteria in your body, you will not feel sick or have any symptoms. GBS is usually not harmful to you.
No one else in your home, including children, is at risk of getting sick from GBS.
- GBS can be spread to babies during childbirth and that is dangerous for them.
2- What is the GBS test?
- This is a test that is recommended for all pregnant women between 36 and 37 weeks of gestation to find out if they have GBS bacteria in their body.
Do I have to get an GBS test before 36 weeks of pregnancy?
- It is recommended to do the GBS test between 36 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. If you think you might go into labor early, talk to your doctor or midwife about making a GBS plan.
Does the GBS test carry any risk?
- Taking the GBS test does not imply any risk.
How does the doctor or midwife do the GBS test?
- The test is a simple discharge from the vagina and rectum that should not hurt.
What does it mean to have a "positive result" for GBS?
- If your result is positive, it does not mean you have an infection. It just means you have these bacteria in your body.
A positive GBS test result does not mean you are not clean. It does not mean that you have a sexually transmitted disease.
- The bacteria are not spread by food, sex, water, or anything you might have come into contact with.
If you test positive for GBS, you will need to go to the hospital right away when your water breaks or you go into labor.
My test was positive. Why doesn't my doctor or midwife give me antibiotics right away?
- The antibiotic is only given during labor; You don't have to worry about getting it before you go into labor.
Taking the medication before labor does not prevent bacteria from spreading to your baby during delivery.
This is because the bacteria can grow back very quickly.
How will the doctor or midwife protect my baby?
You will receive IV (intravenous) antibiotics during labor.
Your baby's doctor will examine your baby when he or she is born.
Your baby probably won't need any more antibiotics or any other medicine after birth unless your doctor tells you they are.
Will I have to have an GBS test only in my first pregnancy or in each pregnancy?
- You will need to have an GBS test every time you are pregnant.
It doesn't matter if you didn't have this type of bacteria before; every pregnancy is different.
Can I breastfeed if my GBS result was positive?
Yes, women with a positive GBS result can breastfeed.
Very rarely, GBS can be spread to babies through breast milk, and the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the risk of spreading GBS.
Most of the time, breastfeeding can help lower your baby's risk of getting GBS later in life.
