GBS Testing

We live in a Universal testing country. That means that all mothers, regardess of not having other risk factors, will be tested for Group Beta Strep colonization during pregnancy if engaging the maternity system. GBS is a common bacteria, and while colonization is nt infection, its presence is regarded as a danger to the baby at birth all while developing an infection is rare. Positive mothers will be advised to consent to antibiotics in labor.

Its presence in the vaginal or rectal area is a sign of an imbalance in the gut, and yet this is a great clue in helping mother’s lower their risk of testing positive for colonization. Addressing gut health and nutrition at the start of pregnancy (if not before) can help to not only avoid a positive GBS culture, but lower the risks of developing pre eclampsia, hypertension, cholestatis and antibiotics in labor, just to name a few.

Please review the following links as well as the section on nutrition. I cannot stress these aspects of care enough. It’s in your hands!

Universal antenatal screening for group B streptococcus may cause more harm than good - BMJ article

Potential harms of GBS screening “outweigh benefits” - By Dr Saraah Wickham