What is GBS Screening

GBS screening is used to screen pregnant women for Group B Streptococcus, a parthenogenic anaerobic Gram-positive streptococcus that can be detected in the rectum and vagina of pregnant women and is mainly transmitted vertically from mother to child. Therefore, routine screening is needed during late pregnancy to avoid transmission to the newborn during delivery. Streptococcus B infection in pregnant women may lead to urinary tract infections, fetal membrane infections, endometrial infections, and premature delivery. If not controlled by timely treatment, it is highly likely to be transmitted to immunocompromised newborns during vaginal delivery. Once infected, newborns may suffer from pneumonia, meningitis, osteomyelitis and sepsis, mostly in preterm infants and less commonly in full-term infants. Therefore, GBS screening is a very necessary routine checkup. Early detection and early treatment can protect pregnant women and reduce the rate of infection in newborns. During pregnancy, it is important to change your underwear regularly, expose your intimate clothing to the sun after washing, wash your private parts daily, and keep your vulva clean and dry. If GBS screening reveals group B streptococcal infection, do not be too anxious and nervous. Through active treatment, the symptoms will usually gradually improve and will not affect the newborn baby too much.