Potential Complications:
Group B Strep

hat is Group B Strep?
Group B streptococcus, also referred to as ‘beta strep’ or ‘GBS’, is a common, naturally occurring bacteria found in the intestines or gastrointestinal tract, which can move into the vagina and/or rectum.

It is possible that the bacteria are in your system for a short period of time; however, you might always carry it, or it could come and go.

GBS is not a sexually transmitted disease, nor is it transmitted through food or water. And although it has the word ‘strep’ in it, it is not related to the bacteria that causes strep throat.

As ominous as this sounds, GBS is usually harmless in adults. The greater danger is to babies born through vaginal deliveries to mothers who are carriers. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), group B strep is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns. (See: What are potential complications for my baby?)

How Common Is It?
Approximately 1 in 4 women carry the GBS bacteria. (Being a carrier does not mean that you have the disease, but it does mean that you can pass it along to your baby during delivery.)

Am I at Risk for Group B Strep?
Anyone (male or female) can be a carrier for GBS. However, you’re at increased risk of an infection from the bacteria if you have a weakened immune system from a condition like diabetes or a disease like HIV.

What are the Symptoms?
Most carriers don’t know they have the bacteria and don’t show any symptoms. Women carriers will likely only find out if they are tested during a pregnancy. If the bacteria cause an infection, you might develop a urinary tract infection (bladder infection) or a uterine infection (called chorioamnionitis if developed before delivery). Chorioamnionitis could cause a fever, tenderness of the uterine area, and an increased heart rate in your baby. Your health care provider can treat you with antibiotics that are safe for your baby.

How Do I Know if I am a Group B Strep Carrier?
The CDC recommends that pregnant women be screened between the 35th and 37th week of pregnancy. Since the bacteria can come and go, testing any earlier wouldn’t be a good indication of whether or not the bacteria would be present during labor.

Screening for GBS is relatively simple: your health care practitioner will swab your vaginal and rectal area. Results should be back within 1 – 2 days.