Strep b

[1990fran]

Hi all

I have done well to stay away from google for quite some time but I read some things online earlier that I am now wondering about im 35 wks first sucessfull pregnancy and read about strep b and the impacts it can have on a newborn, I understand the bhs don't normally test for this, is it something you should get tested for? Or would it hsve been picked up in routine urine tests done by midwives etc? Any advice would be great, I'm freaking about birth and labour as it is, I havent heard of strep b before until now so just wanted to make sure there isn't info I'm missing out on thank You x

I'm 32 weeks strep B positive, was randomly picked up by a vaginal swab test I requested at the midwives for other symptoms - they just recommend IV antibiotics in labour, the doctors don't seem too worried about it. I had to ask for a specific urine test to be sent off to check that it wasn't in urine also as that would need to be treated during pregnancy.

Chances are low of having it(25%) but if you're worried, you could ask the midwife if you can do a swab test to check for infections/strep B - I agree though, should be a routine test for all pregnancies.

You can order a test online, is about £37. I did the test last week and had a negative :) got my test from tdlpathology.com - is very straightforward and fast results

In my country they test all pregnant women at 37 weeks because the test is only valid 4 weeks, if i remember correctly.
Don't know how it works in UK, but i don't think it's a routine test in prenatal care.

It's not routinely done on the NHS but a test is around 40 quid as a PP has said.

If you yourself carry it it's harmless but if you have it during labour and pass it on to your newborn it can potentially make them extremely poorly which is why they will put you on IV antibiotics as a precaution.

It's a transient thing (as in you may have had it last year but doesn't necessarily mean you have it now) so I think they suggest testing around 36 weeks.

Personally I am definitely going to do it- 40 quid for peace of mind and potentially prevent complications is a small price to pay IMO. Lots of other countries test routinely.

Hi Fran, you must be ready to pop now?!
I’ve personally had GBS effect me in labour with my son and it could have been avoided if I had known about it prior to giving birth. I would highly recommend getting swabbed if you have time! Try not to worry as you are already one step ahead by knowing about GBS so many women don’t!

I always pay for a strep B test as babies can become very poorly by it.
Always thing its better to spend that £40 than risk not knowing.

Totally agree. My little boy spent a week in NICU with sepsis from GBS, I did too! Scary times and so avoidable I recommend to all pregnant friends/family. Why take the risk... xx