What is GBS and do you need to test for it?

GBS Testing is one of the more “common” tests in pregnancy.

Most providers encourage you to have it but not many explain what it is.

If I’m being honest, I willingly and went through with it my first three pregnancies not really knowing fully what it was. It wasn’t until my fourth that took the time to understand what it is and analyzed the possible outcomes and treatments options.

•So what is it?

Group Beta Strep is a bacteria that commonly lives in the gut. Bacteria get a bad rap but it’s common in healthy people. The trouble can come if the bacteria over colonized and then travels to the vagina in late pregnancy.

Over-colonization does not equal an infection. But their is concern that the bacteria could pass onto the baby. In 1-2% of cases if a baby gets infected then illness can occur.

•How is it tested?

“The CDC recommends measuring GBS with a culture test at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy. This is done by swabbing the rectum and vagina with a Q-tip, and then waiting to see if GBS grows. It takes about 48 hours to get the results back. The goal is to get the results back before labor begins (CDC, 2010).” -EBB

Here’s the thing. A lot can change in a few weeks. Although it’s less likely for a colonization to clear up quickly and become negative in a short time, it is possible for a negative to change to positive during this period of time.

•What happens if you test positive?

In most cases, if you are birthing in a hospital, your practitioner will likely recommend you receive a few rounds of antibiotics intravenously during labor before the baby is born.

Antibiotics are not the only option though. I always encourage people to ask themselves how is it they would address an imbalance of bacteria in their body. For many people, that makes a big impact on their decision to test and how to treat it.

Just because the birthing person tests positive does not mean your baby will get an infections.

Some suggestions that have been noted to be beneficial for babies are-

Skin to Skin

Breastfeeding

Delaying the first bath. The vernix the baby is born with helps their microbiome.(How cool is that!)

Ultimately knowing the choice is yours.

YOU decide if you wish to be tested.

YOU decide what methods you want to use to help heal/aide your body.