What is GBS?

Group beta strep or GBS is a type of bacteria.  It is commonly found in about 10-30% of pregnant women.  GBS is not the same type of strep bacteria that cause strep throat. 

 Is GBS a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD)?

No.  This bacteria is considered normal bacteria to be present in a woman’s vagina, urinary tract and/or intestinal tract.  There is no need for a woman to feel ashamed if GBS is found. 

 Why do you test for GBS?

During pregnancy, it is important to check for the presence of the bacteria.  GBS may be passed to a baby if the membrane or sac around the baby is broken and during vaginal delivery.  If the bacteria is passed to the infant, he or she can become infected with GBS, which can lead to pneumonia and sepsis (infection in the blood).  There is also the possibility that the presence of GBS may cause early labor or early membrane rupture.

How do you test for GBS?

GBS testing is performed easily with a simple swab of the vagina and rectum.  The swab is sent to a lab which will check for the presence of this type of bacteria.  GBS may also be detected in the urine and can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).  If GBS is found, the woman is considered to be GBS positive.

What if I’m GBS positive?

If you are GBS positive, it is important that you receive IV antibiotics in the hospital prior to delivery.  The antibiotics will help kill off the bacteria in the vagina before the baby passes through.  Receiving two doses of antibiotics prior to delivery has shown to be more effective in reducing passing this bacteria to the baby.

 When will I be tested?

Due to the possible link with premature labor and early membrane rupture, Dr Simon, an OB/GYN in Scottsdale AZ., prefers to check for the presence of GBS during each trimester.  A test will be performed at your first prenatal visit, around 26 to 28 weeks and in the third trimester.  The third trimester test should be performed between 35 and 37 weeks of the pregnancy. 

 What is the treatment for GBS?

If your test is positive, will receive a prescription for oral antibiotics and IV antibiotics in the hospital prior to delivery.

I’m planning a c-section; do I need to be tested?

Yes.  It is still necessary to test women planning on c-section delivery because they may go into pre-term labor or spontaneously rupture the membrane around the baby.

 How often does GBS pass to the baby?

It is important to note that only 1-2% babies develop an infection from GBS that is passed from the mother.  Although the occurrence is rare, it is still important to treat GBS positive women to prevent infection in their infants.  When a woman does not receive treatment, it is 20 times more likely the baby will become infected. 

Overall, GBS is a common bacterium that is easy to detect and treat in a pregnant woman to prevent injury to her baby.

 By Cyndi You, WHNP

Tags: Pregnancy