Am Fam Physician. 2012;86(1):115
See related article on perinatal group B streptococcal disease.
What is GBS?
GBS stands for group B streptococcus, or group B strep for short. It is a kind of germ that can live in a woman’s vagina, rectum, or urine. It is not the same germ that causes strep throat.
Why is it important?
If a pregnant women has GBS, the baby can catch it and get very sick. If you are pregnant, you need to be tested for GBS in your last month of pregnancy. There are no symptoms. Testing is the only way to tell if you have it.
How is the test done?
Your doctor will swab your vagina and rectum, and check your urine.
What happens if I have GBS?
If the test shows that you have GBS, you will get antibiotics through an IV while you are in labor. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin, because you will need to have a different medicine.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor
AAFP’s Patient Education Resource
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
