What is GBS?:a

It is Group B Strep Infection.  GBS is a type of bacterial infection that can be found in a pregnant women's vagina or rectum.  It can be found in  15% - 40% of all healthy, adult women.  Your Dr or Midwife will test for GBS around 35 - 37 weeks in pregnancy.  This is done with a swab of the vagina and the rectum.

GBS can be passed on to the baby during delivery.  GBS is responsible for affecting about 1 in every 2,000 babies in the US.  Not every baby who is born to a mother who test positive for GBS become ill.

Here are a few links to help you learn more about GBS.

Group B Strep Association: http://www.groupbstrep.org/info1.html

Mothering Magazine: http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/birth_preparation/group-b.html

Childbirth Org: http://www.childbirth.org/articles/GBS.html

GBS Protocol (what the DR would say needs to be done.): http://www.perinatology.com/protocols/GBS.htm