CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

What Happens if You Test Positive for Group B Strep?

If your group B strep test comes back positive, here's how labor and delivery might go a little differently for you.
save article
profile picture of Erin Walters
Updated May 8, 2017
positive sign pattern

First, take a deep breath and try not to stress. If you’ve tested positive for group B strep, you’re now armed with knowledge that can protect baby.

When you go into labor, you’ll be put on an antibiotic drip (usually penicillin, unless you’re allergic) that flows down into your amniotic fluid, blood and birth canal to wipe out some of the bacteria that could be potentially harmful to baby. With the help of the antibiotic, baby should be just fine. GBS-positive women who don’t receive the antibiotic, though, are 20 times more likely to pass the bacteria on to their baby.

Guidelines say you should begin receiving the antibiotics four hours prior to delivery, so make sure your hospital is aware of your condition, and make an effort to get to the hospital in plenty of time to be put on the drip.

Expert: American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Your pregnancy and birth. 4th ed. Washington, DC: ACOG; 2005.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

pregnant woman getting a prenatal massage
How to Safely Enjoy a Prenatal Massage
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman pouring honey onto spoon
Can You Have Honey While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman wearing a sweater and holding a cup of tea
5 Ways to Survive a Winter Pregnancy
By Elena Donovan Mauer
ADVERTISEMENT
Can You Color Your Hair While Pregnant?
Can You Color Your Hair While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pink benadryl antihistamine pills in plastic packaging
Can You Take Benadryl While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
large concert crowd in arena
Is Loud Noise During Pregnancy Safe for Baby’s Hearing?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman using a heating pad on her stomach while laying in bed
Is It Safe to Use a Heating Pad While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman with tattoos on arm
The Lowdown on Getting a Tattoo While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman putting out a cigarette in ashtray
The Dangers of Smoking and Vaping While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman relaxing in the bath
Is CBD Oil Safe During Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
glasses of rose wine outside on table
The Real Deal With Drinking During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant holding a glass of water while looking at phone
Mom's Exposure to PFAS Linked to Obesity in Kids
By Wyndi Kappes
Is It True Pregnant Women Shouldn't Take Baths?
Is It True Pregnant Women Shouldn't Take Baths?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman applying sunscreen on the beach
The Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen for All Skin Types
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
spa treatment products, brushes, scrubs
Spa Treatments You Can (and Can’t) Enjoy While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
midwife applying essential oil onto pregnant woman's wrist
What You Need to Know About Essential Oils for Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
illustration of colorful paint sample booklet
Safety Scoop: Can You Paint the Nursery While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Monkeypox and smallpox vaccine is shown at Northstar Medical Center in Chicago on July 18, 2022
US Reports First Monkeypox Case in a Pregnant Woman
By Wyndi Kappes
Pro-choice activists protesting in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on May 03, 2022 in Washington, DC
How the Overturning of Roe V. Wade May Impact Maternal Health
By Ashlee Neuman
pregnant woman sitting on bed at home with beautiful sunlight coming through the windows
7 Ways to Detox Your Home and Routine for a Healthier Pregnancy
By Carson Meyer
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List