Oh, that dreaded Group B Strep (GBS)… GBS refers to the presence of Group B Streptococcus bacteria in the body. It is a type of bacteria naturally found in the digestive tract and lower reproductive tracts of both men and women. While it is not a sexually transmitted disease, it can be passed between partners.
About 1 in 4 pregnant individuals “carry” or are “colonized” with GBS. Carrying GBS does not mean you are infected. The concern, however, is vertical transmission to baby. Babies can be infected by GBS due to their undeveloped immune systems. When a baby is infected by GBS, it is known as invasive GBS (iGBS).
There are three types of perinatal invasive GBS (iGBS) disease, each with their own prevention challenges:
- Prenatal Onset iGBS (before birth)
- Early Onset iGBS (birth through 6 days of life)
- Late Onset iGBS (7 days to 3 months of age)
Babies are more likely to become infected with GBS if:
- You tested GBS-positive in your urine or GBS swab during pregnancy
- Your baby was born before 37 weeks (preterm)
- Your water has been broken 18+ hours with no labor
- You have a fever during labor
- You previously had a baby who developed iGBS
The standard treatment is IV antibiotics during labor. Per usual, the allopathic community addresses symptoms rather than emphasizing prevention. But we’re here to say a positive test doesn’t immediately mean you need antibiotics. Studies have shown that while you might test positive one day, if you were to be swabbed again the next week, there’s a good chance you will then test negative. Basically, GBS can be transient—it can show up at times and then not at others. So asking for a retest is something we would suggest if you test positive.
Consider this from Nebraska Functional Medicine: “In recent studies, two probiotic strains were researched to show that they can be used to prevent AND treat GBS! One of the ways the probiotics are so effective is they are able to open the biofilm that surrounds GBS. (Biofilms require 5,000x the antibiotic dose to penetrate them otherwise)! The specific probiotic combination used is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14.”
Due to this research, we suggest taking one of these specific probiotic capsules orally and inserting one vaginally at night, starting in the third trimester. (Note that you will have to create an account and log in to see the product listing in my store.)
One midwifery practice made this treatment the standard of care and had a 75% reduction in the rate of GBS-positive cultures in their pregnant patients! We’ve implemented this with several of our pregnant patients, and have yet to have one test GBS-positive! Amazing, right? And so simple and safe.
In addition, I recommend that you purchase the book Super Gut by Dr. Davis and begin making his L. Reuteri yogurt. There are recipes in the book for using both dairy and non-dairy milk.
As an expectant mother who values the very best in personalized care, it’s crucial to stay informed about safe, natural alternatives for ensuring the health of you and your baby.
Our midwifery practice is dedicated to providing you with holistic, research-backed options that go beyond the standard treatment protocols.
If you’re ready to explore proactive, natural treatments like those mentioned in this post, reach out today to schedule a consultation. Let us guide you toward a pregnancy that’s not only healthy but also empowering.
Contact us now to begin your journey with a midwifery care plan designed just for you.
About Roberta Devers, M.S.
Roberta Devers (formerly Roberta Devers-Scott) is a midwife and practitioner of functional midwifery with a lifelong passion for supporting women through life’s most transformative moments. With decades of experience in holistic birth advocacy, trauma-informed care, and integrative wellness, Roberta brings deep compassion and a whole-body approach to healing. She continues to stand for informed choice, bodily autonomy, and evidence-based approaches to women’s health.