Anyone getting strep b test done?

[Lizbiz89]

I'm due to have my baby in 10 weeks and I've heard lots of horror stories about babies being born with strep b. Can anyone advise if they got the strep b test done and if so how they went about it? I know the nhs don't offer it so would like to know how to go about getting it privately. Thanks

Hi :)

I'm in the same situation as you. I heard about it, which made me research it further and then came across this video which suggested the following website:

www.gbss.org.uk/

I've ordered my test. Apparently the best time to do it is 35-37 weeks as they're most accurate for up to 5 weeks.

Hope this helps :)

Thank you! I will order a test next month!

I ordered mine from Drs Lab which is one the NHS recommend on their website x

My test came through yesterday. I’m 36 weeks tomorrow so going to do it.

I did it both times following a family member with a strep b baby. All ok in the end but v scary and so worth avoiding. The self test is easy, and costs about £35 iirc. I ordered it through the gbss website linked above.

Not technically needed if you have a c-section. Only causes an issue if you go into labour.
I had a planned section and paid privately for it as those posters above did (because of a history of premature birth in my family) and as it turned out I went into labour 9 days before my section date! Still 37 weeks luckily but was reassuring to know is done it. For the money i think it's worth it for the piece of mind x

Please please make sure youve done some research about the pros and cons of testing prior to deciding to go ahead with it. It’s likely after your reading you will decide to go ahead with it, but it’s not a test you should just choose to have because you happened to hear that GBS is bad bad bad, it’s important to understand what the test is actually going to tell you

The nhs don't screen for it, but if you had a swab taken in late pregnancy it would show up if it was there. Perhaps you thought you might have thrush or were aware of more discharge than normal and were worried.

I work in an NHS lab so know what gets reported from what type of swab. Gbs is definetly reportable from a pregnant person!

I tested for it at 37 weeks with my first using

gbss.org.uk

Came back positive.
Needed IV antibiotics in labour but baby still developed an infection so they needed IV antibiotics for a few days. Everything worked out fine but I’m so relieved I got the test. If I hadn’t my baby wouldn’t have had a blood test and they’d never have picked up the infection and potentially would’ve discharged us straight away.

Pregnant again and this time they will treat me as though I have it even if I tested negative. Not bothering with a test this time round for that reason.

I really recommend getting the test. There’s loads of stuff to waste money on when it comes to babies and newborns and this will be £35 well spent. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and enjoy becoming a mummy :)