July is Group B Streptococcus Awareness Month.
What is Group B Streptococcus?
Group B Streptococcus, GBS, is a common bacterium found in the body often carried in the intestines or lower genital tract. It is a type of bacteria that many people carry normally and can be passed to the fetus at the time of delivery. GBS can cause serious infection in some newborns. Many healthy adults who carry GBS have no signs or symptoms and will not be affected by the diagnosis. GBS should not be confused with Group A Streptococcus, the bacteria that causes “strep throat”.
Testing for Group B Strep
Testing for GBS is a quick and painless culture screening performed by your OB practice. At 35-37 weeks of pregnancy, medical professionals will use a large cotton swab to collect samples from the vagina and rectum. The sample will be sent off and results should come back within 1-3 days. Antibiotics are often given to women who carry the bacteria during labor to prevent newborn infection.
Have more questions about GBS? Ask your physician.
Need an OB/Gyn? https://www.iberiamedicalcenter.com/find-a-physician