Group B Strep (GBS) Test
Quick vaginal and rectal swab to test for Group B streptococcus bacteria that could affect baby during delivery.
📅 When Performed
Weeks 35-37
⏱️ Results Timeline
24-48 hours
Overview
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacteria that about 25% of healthy women carry in their vagina or rectum. While harmless to adults, GBS can cause serious infections in newborns if passed during delivery.
The test involves a simple swab of the vagina and rectum to check for GBS bacteria. If you test positive, you'll receive antibiotics during labor to protect your baby. Testing is done late in pregnancy because GBS status can change.
Receiving antibiotics during labor if you're GBS positive reduces the risk of infection in your newborn by 80-90%. This is a crucial screening test for all pregnant women.
🎯 Purpose of Test
- •Detect presence of Group B streptococcus bacteria
- •Identify women who need antibiotics during labor
- •Prevent GBS infection in newborns
- •Reduce risk of sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in babies
- •Standard screening for all pregnant women
🔬 How It's Performed
- 1.Simple swab test performed at prenatal visit
- 2.Provider or you swab lower vagina
- 3.Then swab rectum (outside area)
- 4.Takes less than one minute
- 5.Sample sent to lab for culture
- 6.Results ready in 24-48 hours
- 7.Some women prefer to do self-swab for comfort
👀 What to Expect
- →Very quick test, less than a minute
- →Minimal discomfort
- →Similar to pap smear but quicker and less invasive
- →No preparation needed
- →Can be done at regular prenatal appointment
- →Results available before delivery
- →If positive, plan for IV antibiotics during labor
✓ Normal Results
Negative - no GBS bacteria detected, no antibiotics needed during labor
⚠️ Abnormal Results
- •Positive - GBS bacteria present (affects 25% of women)
- •Need IV antibiotics during labor (penicillin or alternative)
- •Antibiotics given every 4 hours during labor
- •Baby monitored closely after birth
- •If antibiotics given for at least 4 hours before delivery, baby's risk is very low
- •Not treated during pregnancy, only during labor
⚠️ Risks & Considerations
- •No risks from the test itself
- •Slight discomfort from swabbing
- •If positive: need IV during labor (slight inconvenience)
- •Rare allergic reaction to antibiotics during labor
📝 How to Prepare
- →No special preparation needed
- →Don't douche or use vaginal medications 24 hours before
- →Routine prenatal appointment
- →Can schedule as part of regular 36-week visit
- →Empty bladder before test for comfort