Group B Strep (GBS) Screening in Pregnancy
As part of your routine prenatal care, we perform Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening in the third trimester to help ensure a safe delivery for your baby.
What Is Group B Strep?
Group B Streptococcus is a type of bacteria that naturally lives in the lower gastrointestinal and genital tracts of many healthy adults. It’s not a sexually transmitted infection and usually doesn’t cause symptoms in pregnant women.
However, GBS can be passed to the baby during labor and delivery, and in rare cases, it can cause serious infections in newborns. That’s why we take proactive steps to screen for and treat it when needed.
When Is the Screening Done?
We perform GBS screening between 36 and 37 weeks of pregnancy, using a simple swab of the vagina and rectum. The test is quick, safe, and painless.
What Happens If I Test Positive?
If your GBS test is positive, you will be given IV antibiotics during labor to significantly reduce the risk of passing the bacteria to your baby. This approach has been shown to be highly effective at preventing GBS-related complications in newborns.
Testing positive for GBS does not mean you or your baby are sick—it simply means we’ll take precautions during delivery to keep your baby safe.
What If I Go Into Labor Before My Test?
If you go into labor before your GBS test is done, we may treat you with antibiotics during labor based on your medical history and risk factors.
At Premier Care for Women, your safety and your baby’s health are our top priorities. We’re here to guide you through every step of your pregnancy with expert, compassionate care.