Does anyone know why it's necessary to have a strep b test when a c-section is scheduled?

I read that strep b can be passed to the baby during a vaginal birth, but I'm wondering if it can also be passed during a c-section. Not a big deal, but I go for my strep test on 11/7 and I tend to freak out a little at the thought of something going up there! Thanks!

Does anyone know why it's necessary to have a strep b test when a c-section is scheduled?
I would think that maybe they would give you the antibiotics *which I believe they start when you go into labor if you are GBS+ and delivering vaginally* even if you were in there for a c-section, you know how doctors have to/like to cover their butts from lawsuits and whatnot. Besides as many of the answerer's have said, I'm sure the doctors want to know in case you go into labor early.





And as they said nothing really "goes up there"





I believe you get two swabs, one in your vagina, and one in your rectum. I believe this happens around the same time they start to check you for dilation and whatnot, and really it is SUPER quick. From what I remember the swabs in both areas are much quicker than what you get when you get a Pap Smear done.





Don't fret, it will be over before you know it and remember that forewarned is forearmed. It is better to have WAY "too much" information going into labor/delivery/etc than not enough.





Good Luck and Congrats
Reply:It could be that if you test positive they would just go ahead and treat you regardless. This is the only reason I could think of. It can't be a good thing to be a carrier of Strep, so if they decided to treat I'd count it all good. Best Wishes with your delievery! Congrats!
Reply:This test confirms a certain type of bacteria around your back-side. There's a risk with vaginal delivery that it will be spread to your baby and compromise his/her health. With a C-Section, that risk is small to none, so many practitioners don't routinely request testing. There's no harm in requesting it yourself, however, if you'd rather be safe than sorry.





Good luck!
Reply:Just because you have a c-section scheduled doesn't mean that something couldn't happen very quickly in the meantime. Best to know if you are GBS positive.





BTW - nothing's 'going up there'. The swab is done at the opening of the rectum and the vagina...it's very quick.
Reply:If diagnosed with GBS, you must be given IV antibiotics, regardless of whether or not a c/section is scheduled.
Reply:God forbid you go in labor BEFORE your c-section. It's a safe guard. I have 3 children and was GBS+ on the first two (weird that I wasn't on my last). With my second daughter they "forget" to treat (I know, huh!!) and she endured extra blood test but was totally fine. It's a very quick test and the weird thing is that with my third child they had me go in the bathroom and swab myself?! When it came back negative I started to freak out and told them I didn't do it right b/c I was + for the first two. They reassured me...and he is fine. Congrats on your baby!!
Reply:if they dont do it before hand they will do alot of tests on the baby and thats no fun. like you said its no biggy but id reather have the test of me then alot of tests on the baby right when he/she is born.