strep b test

[Soopermum1]

hi all

has anyone had a strep b test? I know they're not regularly available on the NHS but was wondering if I could get it as a paid for test.

my niece contracted meningitis when she was born and was left very badly brain damaged. I know there would be no medical link but I suppose I'm more aware of things and could do with the extra reassurance, am happy to pay for it.

look up the group b strep society website. sorry, I cant link on my phone.
you can pay for a test at around 36 weeks, its around £40.

I paid for it privately. If you google 'group b strep' a support group website comes up and you can send off for a test kit which you do at home ( take swaps ) think it cost about £38.

Well worth it IMO as I tested positive and had to have antibiotics IV for first birth and c-section for second birth.

It's a scandal that women are not routinely tested for this on NHS.

Depends what trust you are in. The trust I work for screens all women for Group B Strep. Maybe try asking your midwife if she can arrange screening for you before opting to go private . Obviously if she can't I personally would go private. I've seen the sometimes devastating effects of it all too often sadly!

Bette could I ask If the c section on the second birth was in relation to the b strep? X

thanks folks. will get this organized on Monday, will be 38 weeks tomorrow so no time to lose. I'll call hospital and doctors but neither have mentioned the test so very much doubt they will do the test. am in London so may pop into one of the places mentioned and cut out the postal time

In our trust, Group B strep is screened for as part of your booking. We screen the MSU sample provided. You may find it was screened for but not explicitly stated?

Good luck.

Sorry my late reply! To answer your question; I laboured so quickly first time round that I didn't manage to receive the required, 4 hours of IV antibiotics. Therefore DD had to have antibiotics for a week after her birth which was awful.

I requested a c section for second birth as I didn't want a repeat of last time. It wasn't easy though, I had to fight my corner and plead my case to consultant but my wish did finally get granted ( at 35 weeks).