What does it mean for a pregnant woman to test positive for Group B Streptococcus (GBS)?

Jul 05, 2021 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I’ve been pregnant for some time, and during a routine hospital checkup, I was told I tested positive for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) as a pregnant woman. Could you please explain what this means?

Doctor's answer (2)
Dr. Liu Yuanyuan
Hello, Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a pathogenic bacterium that can be transmitted from mother to baby. According to current GBS screening guidelines, all pregnant women between 35 and 37 weeks’ gestation must undergo vaginal and rectal GBS screening. If GBS colonization is detected during pregnancy, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis—typically with penicillin—is administered to prevent neonatal infection. With appropriate treatment and infection control, vaginal delivery remains safe and feasible. Please don’t worry excessively. I hope this information is helpful. Wishing you good health!