GBS testing

[MummyToToby]

It should be offered routinely in all pregnancies! Just cos you haven't carried it before doesn't mean you won't ever carry it. It makes me angry that this infection in babies can leave them severely disabled when a simple test could determine whether you have it and antibiotics in labour could prevent disability. I also think chlamydia should be routinely tested for. It can be detected in urine and if left untreated can cause blindness in babies. It is another silent infection and you could have had it for years without knowing (don't tell me none of you have never slipped up and had unprotected sex). How does everyone else feel on this?

[LaylaandSethsmum]

my guess is that GBS is not routinely tested for due to cost implications. The same would go for chlamydia testing., While vaginal sampling for chlamydia is relatively cheap urine testing isn't and if tests were positive what about the treatment? The antibiotics usually prescribed are contraindicated in pregnancy.

[MummyToToby]

ok i assumed urine testing would be cheaper. in that case they could do a swab! and antibiotics can be taken in pregnancy, i've had them myself for various things.

[LaylaandSethsmum]

Some women would not want a swab is it is invasive . The antibiotics prescribed for GBS and chlamydia are contraindicated in pregnancy. Chlamydia especially.

[LaylaandSethsmum]

Also the alternative antibiotics used in women diagnosed in pregnancy are not always as effective.

[velcrobott]

You can test negative and actually have GBS in your vagina... so it is NO guarantee.

[LaylaandSethsmum]

A swab test for chlamydia needs to be taken from the cervix which is where the infection ids found as well as in urinary tract. GBS can be isolated lower in the vagina( which I assume your test was for) although it is not always picked up.
Bear in mind that alot of others countries pay for all their care and their drugs so while they may be tested they may well have to pay for it as part of their AN care.
Doxycycline and azithromycin are treatment of choice in chlamydia infection but are not prescribed during pregancy . Erythromycin is prescribed but does not always get rid of all the infection.

[MummyToToby]

well at least trying to get rid of it is better than not trying at all!

[LaylaandSethsmum]

I know what you mean and that is just how postive GBS is treated with abs during labour. With chlamydia the course would be for 7 days and then usual practice would be to reswab after 4-6 weeks to make sure infetion has settled but even that varies ,some areas don't do check swabs at all for any women. There is also the implications of treating partners and contact tracing . A diagnosis of chlamydia could be v problematic for some women.

[LaylaandSethsmum]

Have you had GBS before? If so they would normally offer you abs in labour anyway. If not why do you think you are at increased risk?There are lots of potential and actual infections that women carry some of which may affect their child but they cannot possibly all e found and treated.