GBS test required for pregnant women in the final months

Has your doctor recommended a GBS test in the third trimester of your pregnancy? The name may sound unfamiliar, but this test is one of the most essential screenings to protect your newborn’s health. The Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test detects a naturally occurring bacterium that can live in the body without causing symptoms. However, during childbirth, it may pose serious risks to the baby if left untreated.In this article from Dalili Medical, we guide you step by step to understand: What is the GBS test? Why is it important during pregnancy? How is it done? And what are the potential risks to your baby?Your journey toward a safe delivery starts with a simple test that takes just a few minutes—but its impact can last a lifetime.

What is GBS?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common type of bacteria that can naturally live in the intestines, vagina, or rectum of both men and women without causing symptoms or health problems. However, if a pregnant woman carries this bacterium, it can pose a serious risk to the newborn if passed on during delivery.

✅ Around 25% of pregnant women carry GBS without knowing it.

❓ Why Is the GBS Test Done During Pregnancy?

The GBS test is usually done between the 35th and 37th week of pregnancy to check whether GBS is present in the vagina or rectum. The main reason for this test is to prevent the baby from developing a serious GBS infection, such as:

Meningitis
Sepsis (blood infection)
Pneumonia

The bacteria can pass to the baby during vaginal delivery, especially if the mother doesn’t receive proper treatment before or during labor.

How Is the GBS Test Performed?

A swab sample is taken from the vagina and rectum using a sterile cotton applicator.
The sample is then sent to a lab for culture and analysis.
No fasting or anesthesia is required, and the test is painless but may cause mild discomfort.
Results are usually available within 24 to 72 hours.

What Do the Test Results Mean?

1. Negative Result:

No GBS bacteria found. No special treatment is needed during labor.

2. Positive Result:

GBS bacteria are present in the vagina or rectum. The pregnant woman will be given IV antibiotics during labor (usually penicillin) to reduce the risk of passing the bacteria to the baby by 80–90%.

⚠️ A positive test does not mean you are currently sick or that the baby is in danger—it simply indicates the need for preventive treatment.

Do All Pregnant Women Need the GBS Test?

Yes. It is recommended that all pregnant women undergo GBS screening in the third trimester. However, there are certain exceptions:

If GBS was found in the urine during pregnancy, no need to repeat the test—antibiotics will be given during labor automatically.
If a previous baby was infected with GBS, antibiotics are given in subsequent pregnancies without the need for testing.

⚠️ How Dangerous Is GBS for the Baby?

GBS can cause two types of infections in newborns:

1. Early-Onset GBS Infection:

Occurs within the first 7 days of life.
Symptoms appear within hours and may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever or low temperature
- Poor feeding
- Lethargy

This type is potentially life-threatening if not treated quickly.

2. Late-Onset GBS Infection:

Occurs between 7 days and 3 months after birth.
Less common, but may be passed from the mother or other sources.
Can lead to meningitis in severe cases.

How Is GBS Treated During Labor?

If the GBS test result is positive or risk factors are present, the mother receives:

IV penicillin every 4 hours, starting at the beginning of labor until delivery.
If allergic to penicillin, clindamycin or vancomycin may be used.

This treatment reduces the baby’s risk of infection to less than 1%.

Can GBS Be Prevented Before Pregnancy?

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent carrying GBS, but newborn infection can be reduced by:

Routine GBS screening for all pregnant women
Appropriate treatment during labor
Avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics before labor (since it doesn’t prevent GBS colonization later)

Note: Antibiotics are not recommended during pregnancy unless there’s an active infection.

Should the Test Be Repeated If Done Early?

Yes. If the test is performed before week 35, it should be repeated between weeks 35–37 as GBS colonization can change over time.

Risk Factors for GBS Infection in Newborns

Even without testing, doctors may give antibiotics during labor if:

A previous baby had a GBS infection
Preterm labor before week 37
Water breaks for more than 18 hours before delivery
The mother has a fever during labor (>38°C)
GBS found in urine during the current pregnancy

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is GBS dangerous for the mother?
No, it usually doesn’t cause symptoms in the mother. The main concern is transmission to the baby.

Is GBS a sexually transmitted disease?
No, GBS is not an STI. It is a naturally occurring bacterium in the body.

Can GBS go away on its own?
Yes, it can come and go. That’s why it’s important to test in every pregnancy.

Does the mother need treatment before labor?
No. Treatment is only necessary during labor, not before, because early treatment doesn’t prevent later colonization.

✅ Conclusion

The GBS test is a quick and simple screening performed in the last weeks of pregnancy to detect the presence of Group B Streptococcus bacteria in the vagina or rectum. While the bacteria do not harm the mother, they can be dangerous to newborns if passed on during childbirth. Knowing your GBS status and receiving appropriate treatment during labor is a crucial step in protecting your baby from serious infections.

If you’re in your third trimester, talk to your doctor about the GBS test and take the right steps toward a safe and healthy delivery for you and your baby.

Best doctors معامل تحاليل

featured