what is gbs positive

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that many people carry normally and can be passed to the fetus during delivery. Pregnant women are routinely tested for GBS late in the pregnancy, usually between weeks 35 and 37. The test is simple, inexpensive, and painless, and involves using a large cotton swab to collect samples from the vagina and rectum. If the test finds GBS, the woman is said to be "GBS-positive". This means that she has the bacteria in her body, but not necessarily that she or her baby will become sick from it. However, if a baby does get GBS, it can be very serious and cause complications such as meningitis and bloodstream infections. Women who are GBS-positive and get antibiotics at the right time during labor do well, and most dont pass the infection. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to get tested for GBS and receive treatment if necessary to protect their babies from potential complications.