GBS/Strep B, symptoms to look for, private testing and birth plans

[Oeisha]

I'm looking into getting a private test for strep b. DC1 due in Jan.
I have no reason to believe I currently have strep b, it just seems sensible. I'm guessing there's no point in testing too early for it, so was planning on getting the kit soon, but testing about 37wks (currently 26).
I have a few questions if anyone out there's had tests etc...

1. Where did you go for your kit?
2. What was involved with the kit? (what actually needed doing? was it easy to use? will DH need to be involved? etc)
3. Did anyone show any symptoms during pg?
4. I'd like to have a water birth - is this still possible?
5. Is there anything you feel I should know?

Also posting this on ante-natal testing, but wanted as many opinions as possible.

Thank you!

addictediam i would be surprised if the GBSS is stating something so factually incorrect, as they're the experts on it and they have a pretty robust medical advisory panel. so i'm inclined to think that they're right and it can come and go. perhaps your consultant was talking about the nhs tests which are less reliable than the private ones so more likely to produce false results. or perhaps he/she meant that hospitals treat you as though you've got it for life once youve had it once, which i know from friends is true. but that doesn't necessarily mean you do still have it.

don't get me wrong, people should test and there's no harm in retesting. i was gbs+ last time and intend to retest for any possible future pregnancies.

Muslim I don't know what the gbss say all I know is what my consultant has said. There is no harm in re-testing, but I know I won't be not in this pg or any furure pgs. I wouldn't want to risk the test coming back negitive and not being treated for it when it could reappear at anytime.