WHAT IS GROUP B STREPTOCOCCUS , AND SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT IT ?
Group B streptococcus ( GBS ) is a bacteria that many women carry in their bodies . GBS is the most common cause of newborn pneumonia , sepsis , and meningitis .
In order to prevent GBS infection , we screen all women during pregnancy . During your third trimester , we will obtain a culture from the vagina and rectum . If the culture is positive for GBS , we will treat you with an antibiotic when you are in labor . If the culture is negative , you do not need any treatment . Unfortunately , despite all of these measures , some babies will get a GBS infection . Additional testing or monitoring may be necessary for babies born to mothers who are positive for GBS .
54 My Prenatal Care Book