Strep B tests

[Justus22]

Hi, I am having baby number 4 and I've never in previous pregnancies been aware of the risks of strep B and how common it is (1 in 4 women carry it) but my friend paid for a private test in her last pregnancy and it turned out she has it and so she was given the antibiotics during birth so it's got me thinking whether or not I should be paying for this test too, 1 in 4 is pretty high risk, but I don't know much more than that. If I was a carrier would it not have been detected in previous pregnancies, my babies have never been poorly or had it. How is it passed on? Is it preventable without knowing you have it? Have you had the test? Would you advise it? X

I felt the same as you. Never heard of it in previous pregnancy. Midwife at hospital said to our group that she would have it for peace of mind. I spoke to local midwife and she disagreed but I paid for private one recommended on NHS website if you want to go ahead and I’m so glad I did because I tested positive. I will now have antibiotics during the birth and monitored closely and the baby. Better safe than sorry I think but totally up to you x

It can come and go so if you do go for the test, do it after 34 weeks.

I was tested for it randomly early into pregnancy one. Had the ABs in labour though had to fight for them. Dc2 tested positive again. Given ABS in labour with no fight. Didn't have enough as baby came 20mins after the line went in.

He was totally fine though. Both births I was kept in 2 night after for monitoring babies.

Thanks for that @kidneybean2016 I've been reading more and it says that it can come and go from week to week that's why they don't routinely test for it, but you don't know what info is correct as the stats are different everywhere I look. I think I will test, how much is it if you don't mind me asking? I feel like now I know I'd never forgive myself if I didn't check. I found out that I shouldve had whooping cough jab in last 2 pregnancies too but thinking back I never saw the same midwife twice so I guess they all just presumed I knew that. X

@tulipsbloom1 thanks for info. I can't believe how common it is, I read 1 in under 2000 women with it will pass it to baby so I think I will test x

Check out the RCOG guidelines on strep B.

FWIW, the risks to you and your baby of having IV antibiotics are not inconsiderable. You will be routinely monitored for signs of infection as will your baby.

The infection is transient and the confirmation of it just serves to reduce your choices during birth.

FWIW, the risks to you and your baby of having IV antibiotics are not inconsiderable

The risks of delivering baby whilst carrying Strep B far outweigh IV AB risks.

Please get the test my baby was so so poorly! Not enough woman know how how awfull this infection can be! Go on to group b strep support website there's a number you can call for info! It's a fantastic website and will tell you all you need to know!!

I live in another European country and the test is standard here, it is given to all pregnant women between 35 and 37 weeks. I’m surprised it’s not standard in the U.K.

I used Drs Lab which was £35. I accessed it via the NHS website if you type NHS Strep B. I would only use anything recommended by NHS. Had to test between 35 - 37 weeks. Good luck x

I did it last time and will again. I know a lot of doctors and they have all taken the test and advised me to take it. The nhs makes decisions at a population level which is right but at an individual level I’d far rather take the test and have the antibiotics if needed.

I used Drs lab too. Definitely worth the small price of £35!

Another vote for the test and I got mine here: groupbstreptest.co.uk/
It was also £35 as described by OPs.
The result was texted to me and also sent to my midwife by post.

I know it's one of those things that is very much down to the individual to decide, but a lady local to me lost a baby due to untreated Group Strep B, which is what motivated me to have the test in both of my pregnancies.
I was a bit late remembering to do it this time but still got the result back before I gave birth. Totally worth the money IMO.

I found out I had strep B from vaginal swabs done on NHS because of reoccurring UTIs. I'm lucky that it was found and I'll now have the antibiotics we need in labour! I would definitely pay for the test if I'd have known about the condition before getting my results from routine swabs and think it should be routine for all mums to be.

I was pregnant whilst in Eastern Europe and had the test there as standard 20 yrs ago. Came home before baby was born. Nobody in my antenatal group here had ever heard of it. I think we may be a bit behind in this country.

Dont want to scare or advise...but from personal experiance...i was tested at week 34 i think...due to thrush...and i was carrying strep b...3rd baby...never had it before...was given oral antibiotics and told all would be fine...baby was elective csection so minimises risk also...And they would monitor him for 24 hours...cut a long story short...at 8 days old he had vomitting & went floppy...temp of 38 & gunky eyes...(which a doc dismissed at 5 days old as normal) so on day 8 when vomitting began we rushed him to a&e he had 4 failed lumber punctures...5 day stay on antibiotics for the worst case meninjitus...he recovered...And will never know if strep b caused this...but i never recovered fully had ptsd & beleived he was brain damaged for months...i was a mess...hated him putting his tongue out or crossing his eyes...or holding his arms funny...believed he was using one body side more..And demanded a brain scan...he had a ultrasound at 6 weeks and all was OK.But i was Still MENTAL...and it has terrified me ever since...he is 2...walking talking...bundle of joy...im so grateful for his life and health...but i will 100% get a private test in future

Thank you for the info all, my midwife hasn't even mentioned it but knowing a bit more about it I will pay for it, £35 is nothing for peace of mind and I'd regret forever if I was to pass it and the baby was harmed having known about this test. Will be spreading the word to my mum friends too x

I’ve just ordered mine.

I tested positive (through a UTI) and had the antibiotics. However, there is increasing evidence that there may be negative long term consequences to the baby of you having IV antibiotics in labour. There is evidence it changes the gut microbiome in the baby see www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/11/171128160344.htm.

They are doing more research on what this means for development of disease later in life but it could be linked things like an increased risk of food allergies. DD has multiple food allergies and I strongly suspect IV antibiotics in labour contributed to that. I'm pregnant again and don't know what I'll do this time if I test positive - if I went for the antibiotics I'd definitely give the baby probiotics as the only thing you can do to try and help its gut microbiome (you can get ones suitable for a newborn).

TulipsInbloom1 that's not true actually. There are risks, yes. But it's not a done deal that a woman with strep b will pass it on.

I asked my consultant about it who basically said - yes do it. On a population scale it is too expensive for the nhs to do but as an individual it makes sense. Other countries routinely screen and have half the rate of deaths from GBS we do. Sadly I know of two babies who died as neonates from GBS. I went to doctors lab and paid £35.