Group B Strep
If you've got group B strep during pregnancy, you might not even know it, but baby could be at risk for harm. We've got answers to all your questions about group B strep, including how to keep baby safe.
What is Group B strep during pregnancy?
Group B streptococcus, or Group B strep or GBS for short, is a bacteria that can live in the body without you even knowing it.
What are the signs of Group B strep during pregnancy?
You might not have any symptoms at all, or you may develop a urinary tract infection or an infection of the uterus if you have Group B strep.
Are there any tests for Group B strep during pregnancy?
Yep! The -- you guessed it -- Group B strep test is typically given between weeks 35 and 37 of pregnancy. The doc will take a swab of your vagina and rectum and send it to a lab to see if the bacteria is present.
How common is Group B strep during pregnancy?
Fairly common! It’s found in about 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women.
How did I get Group B strep during pregnancy?
There’s really no clear explanation. GBS is just a bacteria that can live in your body -- it's not sexually transmitted.
How will my Group B strep affect my baby?
If you don’t get treated, you could pass the bacteria to baby at birth, and he could develop an infection (in his blood or lungs), meningitis or pneumonia. About 5 percent of babies infected with GBS die, so you want to be sure to follow your doc’s orders (see next page for treatments).
-- Erin Walters