Group B Strep (GBS): What Every Pregnant Mama Should Know
When I first heard I had Group B Strep (GBS) during one of my pregnancies, I remember feeling my stomach drop. It sounded serious and scary. But once I learned more, I realized it’s actually very common and, with the right information, something you can feel calm and prepared for.
This post is here to break GBS down for you in simple, no-stress language — so you can understand what it is, why it matters, and what your options are.
What Is GBS?
GBS stands for Group B Streptococcus, a type of bacteria that naturally lives in many people’s bodies — usually in the intestines, vagina, or rectal area. About 1 in 4 pregnant women carry it at some point.
Here’s what you need to know right away:
GBS is not an infection you “catch” from someone.
It’s not a sexually transmitted infection.
Most of the time, it causes no symptoms and doesn’t make you sick.
The only reason it’s a concern in pregnancy is because it can be passed to your baby during birth, and newborns have very delicate immune systems.
Why Is It Important During Pregnancy?
If a baby gets GBS during labor or delivery, it can sometimes cause serious illnesses like:
Sepsis (blood infection)
Pneumonia
Meningitis
While these complications are rare, they are serious — which is why care providers test for GBS and make a plan for birth.
How and When Do You Get Tested?
Around 36–37 weeks, your provider will do a quick swab of your vagina and rectal area. It’s not glamorous, but it’s painless and takes just a few seconds.
A positive result means you’re carrying GBS at that time.
A negative result means you’re not carrying it right now (though it can come and go).
Can You Prevent GBS?
The truth is — you can’t guarantee you won’t have it. GBS naturally comes and goes in the body.
That said, some women choose to support their body’s natural bacteria balance by:
Eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented veggies
Taking a probiotic supplement (especially ones designed for vaginal health)
Adding garlic into meals or taking it as a natural remedy
Reducing refined sugar intake (because bacteria love sugar!)
These steps aren’t proven to “cure” GBS, but they can help overall vaginal and gut health.
What Happens If You Test Positive?
In the Hospital:
Standard care is IV antibiotics during labor (usually penicillin), given every 4 hours until baby is born.
This greatly reduces the chance of passing GBS to your baby.
At a Home Birth or Birth Center:
Some midwives offer IV antibiotics at home.
Others may suggest natural remedies before labor and then carefully monitor the baby after birth.
Every provider is different, so it’s important to have this conversation ahead of time.
What If GBS Shows Up Earlier in Pregnancy?
If GBS is found in your urine early in pregnancy, you’ll usually be considered GBS positive for your birth, even if your later swab is negative. Hospitals typically recommend antibiotics during labor in this case as well.
Do You Have to Take Antibiotics?
No — you always have a choice. Your provider or midwife should walk you through the risks and benefits so you can make an informed decision that feels right for you.
If you decide not to take antibiotics, your care team may recommend extra monitoring for your baby after birth.
The Bottom Line
GBS can sound scary at first, but it’s actually very common and manageable. The key is:
Educate yourself early.
Talk openly with your provider or midwife.
Make your plan before labor starts.
That way, you can head into your birth feeling confident, calm, and in control.
Remember — your birth, your body, your baby. Your choices matter.
💬 From my own experience, I know that understanding GBS made all the difference in my peace of mind. My hope is that this helps you feel the same — informed, empowered, and ready.
