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Pregnancy is filled with decisions, conversations, and opportunities to learn more about your health and your baby's well-being. One topic that often raises questions for expectant families is Group B Streptococcus, commonly known as Group B Strep or GBS.
At Sweet Pea Midwifery, we believe informed consent begins with education. Our goal is to provide evidence based information, answer your questions, and support you as you make decisions regarding your care.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that naturally lives in the gastrointestinal and genital tracts of many healthy adults. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 20-30% of pregnant women will test positive for GBS at some point during pregnancy.
For most adults, GBS causes no symptoms and does not indicate illness or poor hygiene. It is simply one of many bacteria that may normally exist in the body.
While GBS is generally harmless for healthy adults, it becomes important during pregnancy because it can sometimes be passed to a baby during labor and birth.
The primary reason we screen for GBS is to identify babies who may be at increased risk of developing a
serious infection shortly after birth.
Although most babies born to GBS-positive mothers remain healthy, a small number may develop what is
known as early-onset GBS disease. This can lead to serious complications such as:
These infections can become serious very quickly in newborns, which is why screening and prevention are considered part of the standard of care.
As part of our standard prenatal care, Sweet Pea Midwifery offers GBS screening twice during pregnancy.
Many clients are surprised to learn that we often screen for GBS early in pregnancy through routine urine testing at the initial prenatal visit. Finding GBS in the urine can indicate a higher level of bacterial colonization and may influence management later in pregnancy and labor.
The standard GBS screening is performed between 36 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. This test involves a simple swab of the lower vagina and rectal area and can often be self-collected under guidance from your midwife. Because GBS colonization can change throughout pregnancy, testing at 36 weeks provides the most accurate information about your GBS status as you approach labor.
Many families ask whether there are natural approaches that may support a healthy balance of bacteria during pregnancy.
While no natural method has been proven to completely eliminate GBS or guarantee a negative test result, some approaches commonly discussed include:
Some families also inquire about herbal preparations, vaginal probiotics, garlic, chlorhexidine rinses, or other alternative approaches. Research on these methods remains limited and results are mixed. If you are interested in natural approaches, we encourage you to discuss them with your midwife so we can review the available evidence and help you make an informed decision.
A positive GBS test does not mean you are sick, and it does not mean your baby will become ill.
It simply means that GBS bacteria were present at the time of testing. If you test positive, your midwife will discuss your individual risk factors and review current recommendations for labor management.
The standard recommendation for mothers who test positive for GBS is intravenous (IV) antibiotics during labor.
The purpose of antibiotics is not to treat the baby directly. Instead, antibiotics reduce the amount of GBS bacteria present during labor and birth, decreasing the likelihood that the baby will be exposed to significant amounts of the bacteria during the birth process. When administered appropriately during labor, antibiotics have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of early-onset GBS disease in newborns.
By lowering bacterial exposure during birth, antibiotics can help decrease the likelihood of serious infections that may lead to complications such as pneumonia, breathing difficulties, sepsis, or other respiratory concerns in the newborn period.
Your midwife will discuss the timing of antibiotics, available medication options, and any questions or concerns you may have regarding treatment.
At Sweet Pea Midwifery, we are required by professional standards and state regulations to offer GBS screening as part of prenatal care.
However, informed consent remains an essential part of the midwifery model of care.
While we are required to offer testing and provide education regarding the benefits and limitations of screening, you as the client have the right to make informed decisions regarding your care.
If you are considering declining screening, we strongly encourage you to have an open conversation with your midwife. Understanding the purpose of testing, the potential risks and benefits, and available management options can help you make a decision that aligns with your values and goals.
Our desire is not simply that families say "yes" or "no," but that they understand the implications of their choices and feel confident in the decisions they make.
If you choose to decline GBS screening, it is important to communicate that decision to any healthcare
providers who may care for you or your baby during labor, birth, or the postpartum period.
Without a screening result, providers may need to rely on additional risk factors when making recommendations regarding antibiotic treatment and newborn observation.
Providing a complete medical history helps ensure that all members of your healthcare team can make informed decisions regarding your care and your baby's well-being.
One of the things we love most about midwifery care is the opportunity to have meaningful conversations.
Questions are welcome here.
Whether you are curious about GBS testing, natural approaches to supporting a healthy pregnancy, antibiotic use during labor, or newborn care after birth, we encourage you to ask. These discussions help us partner together in making informed decisions that support both mother and baby.
At Sweet Pea Midwifery, our commitment is to provide compassionate care, evidence-based education, and
respectful support throughout your pregnancy journey.
Because informed families are empowered families, and every decision deserves thoughtful consideration.
With love and care,
admin@sweetpeamidwifery.com
469-515-5355