What is the strep test for?

AshleyPWhitfield

I had the strep test done but I'm not really sure what it's meant for.

gutsysneakers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended routine screening for vaginal strep B for all pregnant women. This screening is performed between the 35th and 37th week of pregnancy (studies show that testing done within 5 weeks of delivery is the most accurate at predicting the GBS status at time of birth.)

The test involves a swab of both the vagina and the rectum. The sample is then taken to a lab where a culture is analyzed for any presence of GBS. Test results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours.

https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/groupbstrepinfection.html

Lild09

Group B strep is a normal flora that can be found in adults.  In pregnant women they test your vagina and anus to see if you have any Group B strep as it is undetectable in terms of symptoms.  This is harmless to us as adults, but in babies it can cause infection that can lead to pneumonia and possible death if not caught. If you are Group B Strep + they will treat you with antibiotics during labour and will test the babies blood after birth to see if they contracted the infection. 

Lild09

On a side note: be informed...ASK QUESTIONS!! I would never have a test done without asking what it is for!

Kinipela7

Side question:  Is the swab "around" the areas or "in" the areas?  I have to get mine next week and don't want to be startled.

gutsysneakers

I just had mine done about an hour ago - its around the areas (but pretty close to the entrances). 

RachelCA29

Kinipela7 said:

Side question:  Is the swab "around" the areas or "in" the areas?  I have to get mine next week and don't want to be startled.

Mine was in, but at my OBs office they let you do it yourself.  Before I went to do the pee on the protein test, the front nurse gave me the swab and told me what to do, she distinctly said "in". I was told to put it in and "swirl".

I kind of wish the OB or nurse just did in for me in my appointment though, since being 36 weeks pregnant with a huge belly makes it really hard to reach down there, even with a really long q-tip thing. Peeing on the protein test strip is getting increasingly hard too ...

SMM1986

My OB did mine during my cervical check. I didn't even feel it.

spacepotatoes

The resident who explained it to me yesterday (I'll be getting it at my next appointment) made it sound like it was a swab around the openings.

PPs have pretty much covered what it is but I will second the ASK QUESTIONS bit! I'm surprised they didn't explain it to you at any point in the process, but either way. If you're having a test done and you don't understand it, you need to ask them what they are doing and why. It's your body and your health.

danabsd

Lild09 said:

On a side note: be informed...ASK QUESTIONS!! I would never have a test done without asking what it is for!

I can't remember them asking my permission or even telling me what they were doing last time. And I didn't really feel it.  I don't think I knew it had been preformed until it was mentioned on TB and I went "Oh, that's what that was." 

ho11yday

The MA showed me the swab first, told me that it was nothing like the pap smear and left. I then asked the midwife if I had to spread my legs and was told no. Nothing was inserted and it was more like a quick swipe along the smooth part of the outer labia.