Group strep b

[firstpregnancy11]

I am very anxious as I had my first midwife appointment yesterday and she told me I was strep positive back in 2017 which I had never been told before. I then googled this and pregnancy and made myself incredibly anxious. I lost my dad to sepsis so reading all the possibilities has me very anxious?

It's quite common for women to have Strep b in pregnancy. Much less common for it to harm them or the baby.
It might mean you get given antibiotics or you might need to deliver your baby in hospital.
Ask your midwife for more information. Try not to worry.

Thanks I did see that it is common, but just wondered if I would get re-tested as it’s been 6 years?

They are really reluctant to routinely test now, however as you have previously had it they should test you nearer your due date. Any doubt just ask to be put ok antibiotics when you go into labour and make sure you bring it up again at your next midwife appointment xx

Thank you I will do I am trying to just reassure myself that it is quite common and at least if they know I have it I can get the antibiotics, as they don’t routinely test there must be many people who have it and go into labour not knowing?

My midwife told me she thought it was outrageous they didn’t test for it anymore, she basically made up an excuse so I could test - literally went to the bathroom and swabbed myself!

But I think as you have had it before they should test you, I’m pretty sure they do it closer to birth though. Not sure where you are but all my appointments etc where made through an app and you can add notes etc make sure you add it on there and literally make sure you raise it at your appointments, even every single one if it reassures you!
I’m sure you’ll be fine though, best of luck! X

I had it. Wasn't picked up until delivery. Poor baby DD had AB's for a few days to be careful. She was fine.

I work as an NHS midwife on the labour ward. Step B is very common. It's also a type of bacteria that comes and goes. A woman can be tested positive one week, negative the following week. At present women on NHS don't get tested as there is no evidence the benefit of finding out outweighs the harm of giving antibiotics to large numbers of women. If you are really that worried you can ask for test at 36 weeks. If your midwife says no you can get the test privately. If your test is positive you will be given IV antibiotics in labour. This prevents the vast majority of infections. Please pay attention to your baby after birth (whether you tested positive or not). If your baby feels lethargic, feeding poorly, has high pitch cry or any other concerns then alert your midwife (as you should always do regardless of your Strep B status). I hope it helps

Thank you that’s very helpful