Ep 6: GBS: What They Don’t Fully Explain at 36 Weeks

At around 36–37 weeks, almost everyone is offered a Group B Strep (GBS) test — and for many parents, that’s the first time they’ve ever heard of it.Suddenly there’s talk of “positive results,” IV antibiotics, hospital policies, and fear-based statistics… without a lot of context.So what is GBS really? How risky is it actually? And what choices do you have?In this episode, we break it all down without the scare tactics.We cover:What Group B Strep actually is (and why it’s normal bacteria for many adults)How common GBS colonization really isThe difference between colonization vs infectionRoutine testing at 36–37 weeks — what the swab checks for and its limitationsFalse negatives, false positives, and timing issuesWhat happens if you test positiveStandard hospital protocol for IV antibiotics in laborBenefits and risks of antibiotics for parent and babyHow antibiotics may impact the newborn microbiomeRisk factors that change recommendations (fevers, prolonged rupture of membranes, prematurity, prior GBS baby)Alternatives and considerations some families exploreQuestions to ask your provider so you can make an informed decisionHow doulas support families navigating GBS conversations without fear or pressureWe also talk about the bigger picture: Because “positive” shouldn’t automatically mean panic.This is about understanding relative risk, knowing your options, and making decisions that feel aligned with your values — not just following a protocol you didn’t fully understand.As always, information is power — and your birth gets to be informed, not rushed.