GBS During Pregnancy: What It Means & Natural Ways to Support Your Body

When you’re expecting, there’s a lot to keep track of such as prenatal vitamins, ultrasounds, and baby kicks but one thing that often takes moms by surprise is the GBS test. If you’ve never heard of Group B Streptococcus (GBS), you’re not alone! However, understanding this common bacterium and how it can impact pregnancy is essential for making informed decisions about your health and your baby’s well-being.

What is GBS?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that naturally lives in the digestive and reproductive tracts of many healthy adults. In fact, about 25% of pregnant women carry GBS without any symptoms. While it’s usually harmless in adults, it can pose a risk to newborns during labor and delivery.

How is GBS Tested in Pregnancy?

Between 36 and 38 weeks of pregnancy, your healthcare provider will perform a simple swab test of the vagina and rectum to check for the presence of GBS. The test is quick, painless, and provides results within a few days.

Why is GBS a Concern for Newborns?

While GBS rarely causes complications in pregnant women, it can lead to serious infections in newborns if passed during delivery. Some of the risks include:

  • Early-onset GBS disease, which can lead to sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis in the first week of life.
  • Late-onset GBS disease, which can develop weeks after birth and may cause similar complications.

Although these infections are rare, they can be severe, making GBS screening a vital step in pregnancy care.

Natural Approaches to Supporting GBS Balance

If you test positive for GBS, the standard medical approach is intravenous (IV) antibiotics during labor to reduce the risk of transmission to your baby. However, many moms seek natural strategies to support a healthy microbiome before birth. Beginning measures like probiotics early in pregnancy can improve the chances of testing GBS negative when the time comes. Here are some holistic ways to promote balance:

  • Probiotics – Certain probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri, have been studied for their ability to support vaginal microbiome balance. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut can also encourage a diverse gut microbiome, which plays a role in overall microbial health.
  • Garlic – Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its natural antibacterial properties. Some moms choose to increase their garlic intake through food or supplements as part of their approach to microbial balance.
  • Coconut Oil – Coconut oil contains monolaurin, a compound with natural antimicrobial effects. Some women incorporate coconut oil into their diet for additional support.
  • Reducing Sugar Intake – High sugar consumption has been linked to bacterial imbalances and can suppress the immune system. Cutting back on processed sugars and refined carbohydrates may help create an environment less conducive to GBS overgrowth.

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Should You Refuse Antibiotics?

This is a deeply personal decision. While natural approaches can support a balanced microbiome, IV antibiotics remain the standard of care to prevent newborn infection if you test positive for GBS. 

Some moms explore alternative protocols, such as probiotic-heavy regimens and antimicrobial herbal treatments. It can be worthwhile to discuss with your doctor or midwife options like probiotic or garlic suppositories and retesting before delivery to see if things have changed and whether antibiotics should still be considered.

It is also helpful to know that the risk of GBS infection occurs only after the amniotic sac or “water” has broken. That means the longer the sac is intact, the less time the baby has to be exposed. This additional factor can help guide your decision process about whether antibiotics are the best choice for you.

You’ve Got This!

GBS in pregnancy is common and manageable. Whether you take a purely medical approach or integrate natural strategies, the goal is the same: a healthy, happy baby. If you’re concerned about GBS or want to explore holistic options, talk with your midwife or OB-GYN to create a plan that aligns with your values and medical needs.

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