Group B strep is a bacteria that lives in the vagina and rectum. There many be no symptoms at all and many women carry GBS. During childbirth the bacteria can be passed to your baby. Some babies can get very sick from GBS. Usually your provider will get a vaginal culture at around 36 weeks gestation and if you test positive, you will get antibiotics in labor to protect the baby. Some pediatricians will observe these babies in the hospital for 48 hours following birth. Know your GBS results. If your positive and your water breaks, you should go to the hospital so antibiotics can be started. To learn more about GBS visit www.cdc.gov/GroupBstrep
Tips from Nurse Judy