How is GBS detected during pregnancy?
Detecting Group B Streptococcus (GBS) during pregnancy is a crucial step to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.
GBS is typically detected through routine screening between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. This screening is important as GBS is a leading cause of newborn infections. Early detection and treatment significantly reduce the risk of complications.
During a prenatal visit, your healthcare provider will use a swab to take samples from your vagina and rectum. This is a quick and simple procedure that can be done in the doctor’s office.
The swab is then sent to a lab where it is cultured to check for the presence of GBS bacteria.
If no GBS bacteria is found, the test is negative.
If the test is positive see here.