Group B Streptococcus

Group B Streptococcus is one of the many bacteria that normally live in our bodies and which usually cause no harm. However, if you test positive, you should be offered antibiotics in labour to reduce your baby's risk of becoming unwell with GBS. Therefore, you will be offered a swab test, usually at week 36, to check if you are carrying GBS. If the delivery is planned earlier than week 38, you may need to have the test done earlier than week 36. 

If you are booked under the care of our consultants, please order the kit on the Doctors Laboratoy's website. 

You would not need the test done if you are booked for a caesarean section.  

For more information on the GBS, please click below.