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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Group strep B

13 replies

Elizabeth089 · 26/02/2026 18:18

Hi all just wanting abit of advice i had my first baby 2 years ago I found out from my first midwife appoitment I had strep b and had to have antibiotics through labour. Im now pregnant with my second child i had my first midwife appoitment yesterday and my midwife has told me we do not screen for this anymore diddnt do a urine sample just a blood test is this normal ? Surely this is really dangerous and i also should of had a urine test done

OP posts:
Iloveeverycat · 26/02/2026 19:03

I thought they have never tested for strep B on NHS. I thought you had to go private.

Original poster
Elizabeth089 · 26/02/2026 20:21

Im not sure i was tested with my first i wasnt sure what it was at the time but with this baby there now saying they dont test but I carnt understand that as it can be fatal for a baby

OP posts:
namechange272727 · 26/02/2026 20:23

If you had group strep b in a previous pregnancy I’m pretty sure they will offer you antibiotics in labour again - they won’t necessarily test you again because it comes and goes and you are higher risk because you had it before

Helplessandheartbroke · 26/02/2026 20:23

I was only tested due to a bleed. Id push for this op as if you have it again, an alert will be put on your notes and you and baby will have antibiotics

namechange272727 · 26/02/2026 20:24

And if they did test it would be near the end not at the start - again because it can come and go

CloakedInGucci · 26/02/2026 20:28

namechange272727 · 26/02/2026 20:23

If you had group strep b in a previous pregnancy I’m pretty sure they will offer you antibiotics in labour again - they won’t necessarily test you again because it comes and goes and you are higher risk because you had it before

I tested positive for group b strep with DD1. I went in to hospital in early labour due to some funny coloured waters. They assessed that it was fine but I guess took a swab. I was sent home. A few days later (well after DD1 was born) I was sent a letter saying “you have tested positive for group b strep”.

It was never mentioned in my pregnancy with DD2, and I think I forgot as well. I was approved for a home birth. So it’s definitely not the case that you’ll be automatically given antibiotics in labour.

namechange272727 · 26/02/2026 20:30

That’s interesting @CloakedInGucci- I wonder if it was just missed. Op if you want antibiotics in this labour I would be surprised if they don’t agree (or alternatively don’t at least offer to test towards the end of the pregnancy)

festive · 26/02/2026 20:40

I tested positive in my first pregnancy and was given antibiotics in labour. In my second pregnancy it was all over my notes ‘antibiotics in labour’ due to the first time. Didn’t have a test the second time but did have the antibiotics.
You can buy the test privately it was about £30 although this was some years ago now.

Nursemumma92 · 27/02/2026 06:57

Strep B can come and go so there isn't any point in testing for it.

You should have antibiotics in labour automatically now but bring it up at your midwife appointments for your own peace of mind.

AD1509 · 27/02/2026 06:59

Only certain trusts test. Have you moved since your last time OP? I would bring it up in your later midwife appointments

Poster2233 · 01/03/2026 22:09

There's no point in testing now as it is transient so could be gone again in a few weeks. Different hospitals follow different guidelines on GBS testing and have protocol for a subsequent pregnancy. Ask for a copy of their policy if you're unsure and want reassurance. Briefly, here's a couple of approaches that could be taken:

  1. Swab between 36-37 weeks on this pregnancy. If positive then, treat as positive in labour and vice versa.
  2. Consider you positive as you previously have been, and automatically treat as positive in labour.
  3. If the hospital has the GBS rapid swab; could wait until SROM or early labour to swab.

Ive never heard of a history of GBS+ being ignored altogether, so that's why Id want to see their policy.
It's only dangerous in the context of ruptured membranes, and even at that the risk is greatest after 18 hours of waters gone. So no need to panic now and plenty of time to clarify the plan.
Re the part about your Midwife saying they dont screen for it.. maybe this is true. It's often discovered by chance, say if you had a urine or swab sent for a possible infection it can be found that way. But again, have never heard of them ignoring a GBS history and I do agree this would be dangerous. Ive worked in different maternity units as a Midwife and there's always a protocol one way or another.

IsThisLifeNow · 01/03/2026 22:16

It can be transient. There for a while, then gone, so they don't routinely screen for it. However, if you get a vaginally swab or urine done and group B strep is there it will be reported because you are pregnant.

I work in microbiology and we see loads of group B strep, but its a normal commensal organism, ie, just there without doing any harm to you. But yes you are right that it can be dangerous for newborns, but very, very rarely so, so please don't worry. It will be in your notes

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