Group B Strep – Vaginal and Rectal

Protect your baby with early, accurate GBS screening. This at-home vaginal and rectal swab test detects Group B Streptococcus bacteria in late pregnancy to help prevent serious infections in newborns.

🔍 What Is Group B Streptococcus (GBS)?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria commonly found in the vaginal or rectal areas of healthy adults. In most cases, it causes no symptoms and is not harmful to the carrier. However, if passed from mother to baby during childbirth, GBS can lead to severe infections in newborns, such as:

• Sepsis
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis

Testing for GBS during pregnancy allows mothers who are carriers to receive preventive antibiotics during labour, significantly reducing the risk of neonatal infection.

✅ Why Take a GBS Test?

Group B Strep is one of the leading causes of severe infections in newborns, yet routine GBS screening is not offered by the NHS. By choosing private screening, you can:

• Identify if you’re a GBS carrier before labour
• Plan for treatment during delivery if needed
• Reduce the risk of transmitting infection to your baby
• Follow global best practices used in countries like the US, Canada, and Germany

👩‍🍼 Who Should Take This Test?

This test is recommended for all pregnant women between 35 and 37 weeks gestation.

It is especially important if you:

• Have had a previous baby with GBS infection
• Experience preterm labour or premature rupture of membranes
• Are planning a vaginal birth or water birth
• Want peace of mind about your birth plan

If you’re unsure whether this applies to you, your midwife or GP can offer guidance. Many women now choose GBS testing as a standard part of their third-trimester preparation.

📦 What’s Included in the Test?

Our private Group B Streptococcus Test Kit includes:

• Vaginal and rectal swabs
• Full collection instructions
• Prepaid return envelope
• UKAS-accredited laboratory analysis
• Doctor-reviewed results, available online in 2–3 working days

🕒 When Should I Take the Test?

You should take this test between weeks 35 and 37 of pregnancy, ideally close to your expected due date. This timing ensures that the test accurately reflects GBS colonisation at the time of labour.

Important: GBS colonisation can change over time. Testing earlier than 35 weeks may result in a false negative.

🧫 How Does the Test Work?

1. Order online – Your discreet kit is delivered to your home
2. Collect your sample – Perform a gentle vaginal and rectal swab using the provided instructions
3. Return the sample – Use the prepaid envelope to send your sample to our accredited lab
4. View your results – Receive secure, doctor-reviewed results within 2–3 working days

📊 Understanding Your Results

You will receive a simple report indicating whether Group B Streptococcus was detected (positive) or not (negative).

👉 If the result is positive:

• It means you are a GBS carrier
• Your healthcare provider may recommend intravenous antibiotics during labour
• This treatment reduces the chance of your baby developing GBS infection by up to 90%

👉 If the result is negative:

• You are unlikely to be colonised at the time of labour
• No antibiotics will be needed unless your status changes or risk factors emerge

🤰 Why Is GBS Testing So Important?

According to UK data, 1 in 4 pregnant women carry GBS, but most are unaware of it. While rare, GBS infection in newborns can have life-altering consequences.

By taking control with private testing, you can:

• Avoid unnecessary stress or worry
• Feel confident and prepared for your birth plan
• Take proactive steps to protect your baby

⭐ Benefits of Choosing Our GBS Test

• ✔ At-home convenience – no clinic or midwife appointment needed
• ✔ UKAS-accredited laboratory testing
• ✔ Prepaid return envelope included
• ✔ Fast turnaround (2–3 working days)
• ✔ Doctor-reviewed results with clear interpretation
• ✔ Trusted by thousands of UK mothers

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is GBS dangerous to me as a mother?
No – GBS is not usually harmful to the mother. The concern is passing it to the baby during labour.

Is swabbing safe in pregnancy?
Yes. The swab is non-invasive, painless, and completely safe for both you and your baby.

Can I test earlier than 35 weeks?
You can, but results may not be reliable. GBS colonisation can appear later in pregnancy, so testing too early could miss it.

What happens if I test positive?
Your midwife or obstetrician will arrange antibiotics during labour, which significantly lowers the risk of infection in your newborn.

Can I test again closer to my due date?
Yes. Some women choose to re-test if results are borderline, or if delivery is delayed.

🛒 Order Your GBS Test Today

Peace of mind for your birth plan. Protection for your baby.

Our Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Vaginal and Rectal Test empowers you with the knowledge you need to make informed, proactive decisions before labour. It’s fast, reliable, and completely confidential.

➡️ Free UK delivery | Prepaid return | Results in 2–3 days