Signs of infection
Tests for group B strep
Group B streptococcus (also known as Strep B or GBS) is a naturally occurring bacterium commonly present in various parts of the body (in both men and women). Streptococcus lives on the mucus membranes of the body (it can cause a Strep throat infection) but also survives in the bowel, bladder and vagina of many women in small quantities.
When group B strep bacteria is found through a vaginal swab or urine test during pregnancy, it is not regarded as an infection (nor a sexually transmitted infection). Rather, it is an organism found to be normally present in these areas, generally not causing any health problems unless it grows and multiplies. Women with group B strep are unaware they carry the bacteria.
Group B strep tests for pregnant women have only been performed since the early 1990's. In recent years it has become more routine because of the small possibility (about 1-2%) that the bacteria could be passed onto the baby during pregnancy, labour or birth.
While small quantities of strep B bacteria do not create a health concern for the majority of babies, a few babies can be affected. Babies thought to be more at risk of developing a group B strep infection include: