What is gbs test

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Medically Reviewed by James Greenberg, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Do you belong to the large group of women with group B strep or GBS?

The group B strep test will help you find out. Back to Top. In This Article. Continue Reading Below. Read This Next. Signs of Labor. If you previously gave birth to a baby who had a group B strep infection or you had a urinary tract infection caused by group B strep during your current pregnancy, you're at higher risk of spreading group B strep to your baby.

As a result, you'll automatically be treated with antibiotics during labor. Antibiotics aren't necessary if you're having a planned C-section, as long as labor hasn't begun and the amniotic sac — the fluid-filled membrane that surrounds and cushions your baby during pregnancy — is intact. Testing is still important, however, since labor could begin naturally before the scheduled C-section.

A group B strep test is generally done between weeks 36 and 37 of pregnancy. No special preparation is necessary. Let your health care provider know if you had group B strep in a previous pregnancy and whether you've had a baby with a group B strep infection. You'll lie on your back on an exam table.

Your health care provider will use sterile cotton swabs to take samples from your lower vagina and rectum. If you test positive for group B strep, it doesn't mean that you're ill or that your baby will be affected. It simply means you need treatment to prevent an infection in your baby. Talk with your health care provider about how you'll incorporate your group B strep treatment into your labor plan.

It's helpful to remind your health care team of your group B strep status during labor, and to let them know if you're allergic to any medications. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Sections for Group B strep test About. Overview A group B streptococcus test — also known as a group B strep test — checks to see if you are infected with the group B streptococcus bacteria.

While the bacteria may not cause any problems for the mother, if it infects the baby it can cause rare but serious complications. It is recommended that all women be screened for the bacteria during pregnancy. You will usually be screened for GBS between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. The test is easy and painless, and is conducted by swabbing the vagina and rectum with a cotton-tipped swab.

You have the option of doing the swabbing yourself. The swab is then cultured to see if GBS is present. Even if you have a planned Caesarean delivery, you will still need to be screened for GBS in case your water breaks or you go into labour before the scheduled delivery. These include:.