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Group B Beta Strep is a bacterium found commonly in genital and rectal tracts of females. It is a normally occurring bacterium, typically causing few to no side effects. Many women do not know they have GBBS until they are tested in pregnancy. Typically, testing for GBBS is performed around your 36-week visit, however, some women may test positive for GBBS in urine testing done throughout the pregnancy. If you test positive for GBBS in your pregnancy, regardless of when you test positive and any treatments you receive, you will be given antibiotics through your IV during labor.
The exact cause of transmission/acquisition of GBBS is unknown. GBBS is a common bacterium present in approximately 30–40% of women. It is not a sexually transmitted infection. Partners do not need to be treated for GBBS exposure.
Women found to be positive for GBBS in pregnancy will be treated during labor to decrease the transmission of GBBS to the baby during delivery. If you are found to have GBBS in your urine at any point in your pregnancy, you will be treated with oral antibiotics. If you are found to have GBBS in your vagina at 36 weeks, you will be treated with antibiotics through your IV during labor.
Women who test positive for GBBS in one pregnancy may test negative in the next pregnancy. It is not necessary to continue treatment or repeat testing for GBBS after delivery.
In certain circumstances, such as an elevated temperature in labor, the baby may be tested for GBBS or given antibiotics after delivery for exposure to GBBS. Many factors are involved in making the decision to test or treat the baby. This decision will be at the discretion of your pediatrician.