What if a single line on a swab result could change how your labour and delivery are managed?
Group B Streptococcus (GBS), often simply called Strep B, is one of those things you may not hear much about—until it shows up in your pregnancy test results. It can be surprising, even worrying, to learn you’ve tested positive, especially when everything else feels normal. But here’s the thing: you're not alone, and it doesn't mean your baby or your birth plan is doomed. In fact, knowing early is a huge advantage.
In this blog, we’ll explore what GBS is, what it means if you test positive during pregnancy, how it’s typically managed, and why products like Après may become a helpful companion along the way. Whether you’re in your third trimester or just stumbled across this information online, consider this your down-to-earth guide to navigating a positive Strep B result with confidence and calm.
What Is Strep B (Group B Streptococcus)?
Strep B is a type of bacteria that lives in the digestive, urinary, and reproductive tracts of many healthy adults. It’s common—around 1 in 4 pregnant women will carry it at some point during pregnancy. Most of the time, it causes no symptoms at all, which is why many women don’t even know they’re carrying it until they’re tested.
But during pregnancy and birth, it can matter. GBS can be passed to your baby during labour and delivery, and in rare cases, this can lead to serious infections in newborns, like sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis.
Why Testing Matters (and When It’s Done)
In Australia, GBS screening usually happens between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. It’s a simple swab test of the vagina and rectum, designed to check for the presence of the bacteria before labour begins. Testing is routine and painless—and being positive doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It just means you’re part of the 25% of women who carry it.
If the result is positive, your care team will likely recommend antibiotics during labour to reduce the risk of passing the bacteria to your baby.
What Happens If I Test Positive?
Here’s what typically happens:
1. You’ll Be Offered Antibiotics During Labour
The most common antibiotic is penicillin, given via IV during labour. This helps lower the bacteria level and drastically reduces the chance of transmission to your baby.
Important note: You won’t be given antibiotics before labour unless there’s a medical reason (like preterm labour), because the bacteria can come back even if it's cleared early.
2. You’ll Still Be Able to Have a Vaginal Birth
Testing positive for GBS does not mean you must have a C-section. A vaginal birth is usually safe, especially with antibiotics on board. The only major change is that your care team will monitor things a little more closely.
3. Your Baby May Be Monitored After Birth
If you receive antibiotics during labour, chances are everything will proceed normally. In some cases—especially if labour was fast, antibiotics weren’t completed in time, or your waters broke early—your baby may be monitored more closely for signs of infection after birth.
Common Questions Answered
Is GBS an STD?
No, GBS is not a sexually transmitted infection. It’s a naturally occurring bacteria that comes and goes in the body. There’s no shame or stigma—just biology doing its thing.
Will It Affect My Baby?
With appropriate management, the risk is very low. Without treatment, about 1-2% of babies born to GBS-positive mums develop an infection. With antibiotics, this risk drops to less than 0.1%.
Can I Do Anything to Prevent It?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent carrying GBS, but some women choose to take probiotics or eat fermented foods to promote a healthy vaginal and gut microbiome. While there’s limited scientific backing, many feel it helps them stay balanced.
Tips for Navigating a Positive Result
1. Talk It Through With Your Care Provider
Get clear on what antibiotics will be used, how they'll be given, and any plan adjustments that might be needed. Ask questions until you feel confident.
2. Pack Accordingly for Birth
If you know you’ll need antibiotics during labour, you may be required to stay in hospital a little longer for monitoring. Pack a few extras in your hospital bag—think comfy clothes, snacks, and a good playlist to keep you grounded.
3. Maintain Intimate Hygiene Throughout Pregnancy
Even though GBS is unrelated to hygiene, maintaining healthy intimate care—especially after sex or during vaginal discharge changes—can help you feel more confident. That’s where something like Après can come in: our discreet, gentle product is designed to absorb fluids after intimacy, keeping you fresh and comfortable.
4. Stay Calm and Empowered
You are doing an incredible job navigating pregnancy. A positive GBS result is just one more thing you’re handling with strength. Trust your body, trust your team, and know that knowledge is power.
Anecdote: A Real Mum’s Story
“I was 36 weeks when I found out I tested positive for Strep B. At first, I panicked—like, what does this mean for my baby? But my midwife walked me through it so clearly. I ended up having a beautiful vaginal birth, got the antibiotics in time, and my baby boy was perfectly healthy. Honestly, the hardest part was the worrying beforehand. Knowing more would’ve saved me so much stress.” — Sarah, mum of 2
Your Top Questions Answered
Q: Will I have GBS in future pregnancies?
A: Possibly. Once you’ve tested positive, some doctors will treat you automatically in later pregnancies. But it’s not guaranteed to return, and many women only carry it once.
Q: Does GBS go away?
A: Yes, it can. GBS often comes and goes naturally in the body. That’s why the test is done late in pregnancy, to get the most accurate read close to delivery.
Q: Can I still use Après while pregnant?
A: Après is safe for external use and can support your hygiene routine after sex. Always consult your care provider, but many women find it helps them feel clean and fresh—especially when pregnancy discharge increases.
Key Takeaways
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Group B Strep is common and doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong.
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Testing positive means you’ll likely be offered antibiotics during labour.
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A positive result doesn’t mean a C-section or high-risk delivery.
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Après can help with hygiene and comfort during pregnancy.
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Stay empowered by asking questions and understanding your options.
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Your baby will be closely monitored after birth if needed.
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Probiotics and gut health may support overall vaginal balance.
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Most GBS-positive births result in healthy babies.
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Emotional reassurance and clear communication are key.
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You’re not alone—so many women navigate this smoothly.
References
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Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) Guidelines
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Australian Government Department of Health – Group B Streptococcus
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Better Health Channel (Victoria) – Group B Streptococcus in Pregnancy
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Mayo Clinic – Group B Strep and Pregnancy
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