Please support my friend - B Strep

[fruitloop79]

Please follow this link to support my friend who lost her niece and hundreds of other families in GB.

This gorgeous little girl was born on the 19th Dec 07. She was a healthy bouncing baby. She died days later from Group B streptococcus. An infection which can be prevented with a simple swab test during pregnancy which we are not even offered in the UK.

If you're a member of Facebook, please join this support group

And please, everyone sign this petition

Thank you for your support

Fruity

That's extremely sad, and I hope your friend is coping with her tragic loss.

I know somebody who almost lost her newborn to strep, but fortunately her daughter did go on to make a full recovery.

You can be swabbed for Strep B during pregnancy in this country, but it is only offered privately for a small sum, and most expectant mothers may be completely unaware of the dangers of Strep B.

Totally agree it should be provided as a routine test for all expectant mothers - on the NHS

Signed.

Ah, thanks guys

Hi fruitloop, signed and also joined Facebook group.

Just wanted to say thinking of your friend, and what a tragic loss of a beautiful baby. It is so sad.

I really hope this is introduced in England, but as usual it will based on cost etc..
Pays to go private by the sounds of it

Signed. I had group B strep which I only found out about accidentally when I had a bit of bleeding at 34 weeks and the hosp took a swab.

My stupid GP wasn't even going to tell me it was Strep B - just that I had "an infection". It was only because I had read about it and asked the midwife to find out what it was that I knew and got the correct treatment of IV antibiotics in labour.

Why isn't it a routine test!!!!!
Makes my blood boil!

I've signed. My ds2 had heart failure at 7 months old and they grew Strep B from the fluid after they had drained it from his pericardium. I also know of someone who recently died after childbirth due to a strep infection, leaving behind two other children plus the newborn.

oh mummypig that's just awful

I'd never thought about it until my friend's niece died. I'd heard of it but didn't know anything about it. I was never offered a test while I was pg. My other friend was offered it but she had a home birth so maybe that had something to do with it.

Have done both.

DS1 ended up in SCBU due to GBS but is now a strapping 11 yo. Had the drugs and monitoring for DD.

It seems unbelievable that we are loosing lives to something that it is possible to prevent

BUMP for evening crowd

Thanks claricebeansmum you're a star

Another bump - this is such a vital issue, the petition needs to be seen by more mumsnetters

Signed and bumped - my daughter and I both became very ill after her birth from GBS and were in hospital to have treatment. We were really very unwell - and it seems so silly to me that this isn't tested for.

bumpity bump . I've put this on the pregnancy thread, do you think I should put it anywhere else?

You could perhaps start another thread with a direct thread title such as:

"Please spare 1 minute only to sign a petition which is critically important to all pregnant mothers" It's a bit long but it says what it does on the packet!

• and perhaps post under 'Other subjects'?

...worth a try?

Hang on - just seen your other thread title in Active Conversations. That should do it! (ignore my last post )

I'll try it handlemecarefully thanks!

Oh it gets more and more confusing - it was fairlylights who started that other thread off for you (I think)!

ooh lovely, I'll have a look. I did start another in the anti-natal room. with your title, hopefully will grab someone's attention!

I'm very sorry for your friend's loss but there are some reasons for not currently screening women for GBS in pregnancy - mainly because the government needs to put more money into research, but also because a truly effective screening and treatment programme has not yet been designed. Up to 30% of women carry GBS in their vagina and although you can clear it with antibiotics, you can't prevent it coming back. If we screened all pregnant women at an agreed gestation, we might end up treating 1/3 of pregnant ladies with antibiotics. A number of those would become re-colonised and the risk would still remain, although a sense of reassurance might lead to misdiagnosis. Lots of antibiotics could lead to other infections taking hold in pregnancy and could have consequences for the babies following delivery. It would also lead to the emergence of more resistant bacteria - perhaps even a resistant strain of GBS. It's incredibly sad when a baby dies of this infection, but more research is needed into ways to prevent it as a routine swab may not be the best answer. Many babies are born with this bacteria on their skin and come to no harm. Currently, the most important ways to prevent damage from this devastating infection is to be aware of the risk factors - prolonged rupture of membranes, temperature during delivery, temperature in the baby or a previous child who was affected (amongst others). Equally if you feel that your baby is unwell in any way, either shortly after birth or up to 3 months - demand prompt medical care and don't take no for an answer.I think the GBS website has lots of good info - we need more research to find solutions. Currently your local NHS can't provide this service, so please don't blame your midwives or doctors - but be aware of the risk factors and if you are worried - speak to someone. I am truly sorry for your friend's loss and I hope she can find peace.

Thank you so much for your reply hardygirl

I've just had an email from my friend who has asked me kindly if I would reply for her (as she is not an MN member)

Her reply:

"If we raise awareness then perhaps the government and the Pharmaceutical industry (that i work in) will invest in research and possibly in the future the rate of infections and mortality will be reduced. I also think that pregnant women who become aware of this can request antibiotics in labour as I remember because of complications in my pregnancy I was given antibiotics in labour and then DS was given Gentimicin after birth as he had Pneumonia. (which is the other lethal infection that babies can get in a similar way)

I have campaigned through my work and my previous company also who are mainly medics so they will have more understanding than we do."

I agree absolutely. Parents need to be aware of this devastating infection as although currently we do not have a proven nationwide method for screening and prevention - if we raise awareness, we can treat babies early and spot women with risk factors who need treatment in labour. Keep up the good work and again, my condolences and wishes for a happier future to your friend.

Thankyou. And FWIW, I think doctors, nurses and Midwifes do a fantastic job!

Oh And just to remind all those who haven't signed, the petition ends tomorrow! (sat 19th)

Many thanks for your support

Fruity