Group B Strep

[Twitchett22]

I'm going to order a group b strep testing kit from the gbs charity as they don't do it on the NHS, has anyone got any experience of this? It says to test between 35 and 37 weeks, do i have to do the sample as soon as i get the kit or can it wait a bit?
That probably doesnt make sense, basically just trying to get the timing of ordering it right lol

[LorelaiVictoriaGilmore]

I used the kit this time around. You can order it whenever - it took a few days to arrive. I used my kit early this time (30 weeks) though because ds was born at 35 weeks. I was then going to get another kit to use at 35 weeks but I was in hospital at 34 weeks for something else pregnancy related and they tested me then so it saved me a kit!

[Twitchett22]

Thanks! I'll order it in the next week or so

[RosieCotton]

Out of curiosity why do they not test for it any more? Can you request the test if you've tested positive before?

[Twitchett22]

I think its a cost thing. But im sure if you've had it previously they would retest you next pregnancy?

[AlmostCrawling]

I ordered a test to do at 37 weeks and the day before I was going to do it and return it I had to be induced. I was really upset and panicking because I hadn't done the test. The midwife offered to do one but said I wouldn't get the results until after my baby was born so would be pointless. If you're like me and it's something that really concerns you (I had a lot of anxiety during my pregnancy) then I would probably do it a bit earlier than term when you're less likely to into labour but obviously the later you leave it the more accurate the result so around 36/37 weeks.

[Snakesandsnakes]

I was positive in my first pregnancy but was initially refused the test in my second pregnancy. My midwife recommended the private test but (unusually for me) I actually kicked up a fuss about it and pretty much insisted they did it. I got the impression that the protocol is to say no but that midwives are quite happy and willing to do it. I was positive for my second pregnancy too so was v glad I did.

[puddleduckmummy]

gbss.org.uk/

These guys are fantastic support, active on Facebook and Twitter answering any concerns, they will allay any concerns

[YouBetterWORK]

I did it at 35+2 and it turned out positive. It was the strepelle one I got and they texted the results in 3 days then later on got a letter that I could attach to my notes.

Weirdly they (nhs) tested for it in urine but didn't show, however both swap sticks gave me a positive result so I'm glad I ordered the kit.

[thingymaboob]

You can order the kit anytime. You just need to make sure you send it off the same day as you test yourself. It's really easy to do. I did a kit at 37+6 and it was positive so I had IV antibiotics in labour and my baby and I were monitored for 24 hours after delivery. The test was £35 from the doctors laboratory (available from the link above).

[CL1982]

I got it! You only pay for the results and going to do it at 36 weeks.

[mrssmith1415]

I had it with my first and my midwife has told me to complain of increased discharge in the run up to my due date so that I can be tested! Or really is shocking that it’s not more routinely tested but as a fellow nhs employee the cuts are everywhere and it’s out of the midwives hands!

[LalalalalaLand]

I had a small bleed at about 24 weeks and when they swabbed they tested for GBS amongst other things. Obviously it was too early though - they say you can still contract it before giving birth so I did the private test at 36 weeks. The kit is free but if you want it tested it costs £35. Worth every penny IMO!

[NC1990]

I did the test at 37 weeks and ended up giving birth before I got the result (which was negative), so I would maybe aim to test at 36 weeks.