Being GBS positive means a pregnant woman has Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria present in her body. It's important to understand that this does not necessarily mean that she or her baby will become sick from it.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
- Presence of Bacteria: A GBS-positive result indicates the presence of GBS bacteria, typically found in the vagina or rectum.
- Not an Illness: Being GBS-positive is not an infection or illness. It simply means the bacteria are present.
- Risk to Newborn: While GBS itself isn't harmful to the mother, it can pose a risk to the baby during delivery if the bacteria are transmitted.
- Testing: GBS status is determined by a vaginal and rectal swab, typically performed between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.
- Treatment: If a woman tests positive, she will usually be given antibiotics intravenously during labor to protect the baby from GBS infection.
In summary, a GBS-positive test result indicates the presence of Group B Streptococcus bacteria in a pregnant woman's body, requiring monitoring and potential antibiotic treatment during labor to minimize the risk of transmission to the newborn.
