Group Strep B/ please keep this going.

[moregranny]

www.gbss.org.uk

Just wondering if anyone could answer a question. I'm 37weeks tomorrow, and a couple of days ago my midwife did a swab to check for infection/thrush. Would this be likely to pick up a GSB infection, or do they have to order it separately? Just wondering if I should order the private test as well. Thanks!

I am not sure but I recall some one saying that they were tested for thrush but had strep b, ask the midwife, x

My sister lost her daughter in 2009 to GBS infection at birth (prem baby with complications, although post mortem cited GBS as cause of death), she opted to have ELCS with her youngest son as she tested possitive for GBS in his pregnancy too. I will find out from her if she had to have antibiotics but from what I can remember she didn't need them (baby is now 5 months old), and he was delivered at 39 weeks.
She also had GBS in her first pregnancy which luckily ended up as an EMCS and didn't know until her 6 week check that she had tested possitive.
Our hospital does screen routinely for GBS and I have asked them to check me for it which they have said they will nearer the due date.
Featherblue, I would imagine if they were testing for infection they would include GBS but it is worth calling them to check x

Meant to add that GBS is the reason she went into premature labour too.

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I had elcs with 3rd baby, also tested positive for GBS, I didn't receive any iv antibiotics as it's supposed to be extremely rare for babies to pick up infection during a c section, ds picked up GBS infection, pneumonia and septicaemia, spent two weeks in nicu, thankfully all is well now and at two months he is perfect, but it was a very scary time, I never realised the danger attached t testing positive, it was kind of brushed over by my obs, but it really is quite a serious thing.

Thanks everyone, will ring the midwife to ask.

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I've just got home from my midwife appt at 16 weeks having found out I've got strep B. I've now got a very big yellow 'alert' sticker on my notes! Am off to search the rest of mumsnet...

I am so, so glad to see this posted here. I used to go to another forum, and after finding out bits about Group B strep I asked my midwife where locally would do the test privately. She said that if I went to her at around 35-37 weeks and complained of horrendous discharge, she could do it for me on the NHS - which I thought was a lovely tip from her. Posted that on the other forum and got a load of "why would you want a test for something you don't think you have?" type comments. Duh.

My midwife told me not to google.

I have just googled.

Oh God.

I never googled, as the risks were really played down when tested positive so I never gave it a second thought, my ds was critically ill as a result of a GBS infection, thankfully all is well now, and the hospital were really on the ball when they needed to be, but it's no harm to be informed.

I'm glad I know now but also need to remember not to spend the next 5 months panicking about it I think...

Dont panic, you know now so you can be treated during labour, my daughter is positive and due on Thursday, she only found out at 35 weeks, try and enjoy your pregnancy, you all have enough to worry about with the list of food you can't eat and things you shouldn't do !! x

I will! I've spoken to my mum tonight who was the voice of all reason and you're right, just glad it's been picked up so it can be treated and will be on the ball for it after birth.

Hope all is ok for your DD - thank you for the lovely replies!

Will let you know how she gets on, take care, dont panic :)

Chocolateyclur -that's good that your midwife has offered but remember the NHS test is only around 60 percent reliable as opposed to the 90 percent private ones . ( private tests use vaginal and rectal swabs not just vaginal)

Thanks magentastardust - didn't realise that! I will definitely be going for a private in that case.

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