Group B Strep

[NidsC]

Hello

Has anyone had this or have it now and know the implications of it? I was just given a leaflet by the midwife which doesnt really give much information. Any first hand experiences would be beneficial..

Thanks

I have not had it but its an infection some people carry harmlessly in the vagina or rectum which can in rare cases cause complications at or after birth.

This may help: www.gbss.org.uk/

Hi, As lucy said it is an infection which is carried harmlessly and only causes a problem during labour.

I have GBS. It was picked up following some complications post DD's birth but I wasn't informed until I was in the final throws of labour with DS1 6 yrs later! (too late for antibiotics)

DS1 was born with GBS and was quite poorly because of it - he spent 1st wk of his life in NICU. Not that you could tell now as he's a perfectly healthy (if somewhat crazy) 4yr old.

I am now 34 wks pregnant with DS2 and will have antibiotics during labour to protect baby during delivery.

Although GBS testing is not routinely offered by NHS I would advise anybody who is pregnant to get tested because although complications are rare IMO if found it can be easily treated and baby protected. HTH

Thanks ladies, all very helpful..

I've just had the test, not exactly pleasant having a swab stuck up your bum etc but better than causing problems for the baby.

I had strep B in first pregnancy - crazy that it's not routinely tested for. Mine only showed up because I was having persistent thrush and they tested. Meant I had to go to a larger hospital to give birth rather than my small local but otherwise not a problem - just on anti biotics throughout labour.