Group B Streptococci

Vickyp · Post by **Vickyp** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 2:35 pm

Hi

I have just been reading about being tested for this (Group B Streptococci) - I have read that you are supposed to be tested around week 35 - has anyone been tested? Vicky

Susie · Post by **Susie** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 3:43 pm

In the UK you dont get tested as routine, you have to pay private. I tested and found out I was positive. It has no symptoms so anyone can have it. I just had to have my labour closely monitored and had antibiotics all thru labour.
The test only costs about £35 and you send off for it then your midwife does the test and you send it away for the result.
I'd advise the test as at the end of the day after all we've been thru its not worth the risk of losing the baby at this stage.
If you visit www.gbss.org.uk it gives you all the info about it.
HTH Susie

k · Post by k » Mon Mar 27, 2006 4:08 pm

Hi Vicky

I got tested for strep B, just to be on the safe side. I used the website Susie has mentioned. You just ring up the Doctors laboratory (All details on the website) and they send you a pack with swabs in, telling you what to do. I got my midwife to take the swabs for me, then you send them off with the payment (£32). I was negative, but I think its well worth it for your baby to be safe. I believe its the only reliable test for strep B. You do the test between weeks 35 to 37.
Take care
Love Kim

Vickyp · Post by **Vickyp** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 5:06 pm

Dear Susie & Kim

Thanks so much for that - it seems really strange that you don't get tested for this as a matter of necessity when the outcome can be so devastating. I will look at the website and definately do this. Thanks again. Love Vicky

Cla · Post by **Cla** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 9:07 am

I was tested for this as a matter of course before I started IVF. They wrote to me to say I was a carrier and that whilst it would in no way stop my treatment from working, I should inform my midwife should I become pregnant (which I now have!). Is well worth getting the test done, as it is relatively easy to ensure the baby does not contract gbs by intravenous antibiotics during labour.

This is a mindfield though trying to ensure you're up to date on everything!

Best of luck Vicky!

Cla
xx

Vickyp · Post by **Vickyp** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 9:18 am

Thanks Cla

I just wanted to check what you all thought of this... I have just seen my midwife and she was really opposed to this testing - she actually said that wouldn't take the swabs for me as they don't recommend it.
She said that if there was a problem they would probably detect it in my urine sample - which I'm not at all sure about. Also she said that it is not a good idea to give babies antibiotics and that it can mask an illness rather than preventing. I must admit I was not convinced by what she had to say and was quite taken aback by her forcefulness.
I know that if I did have to have antibiotics I couldn't have the baby at that community hospital so maybe that has something to do with it as they are trying to keep up numbers. I don't Know!! Love Vicky

k · Post by k » Tue Mar 28, 2006 10:14 am

Hi Vicky

I cant understand your midwife's reaction. Why dont they recommend testing? The test itself isnt going to harm you or your baby. My friend whos a midwife recommended this test to me. She said although it can be detected in a urine sample its not a reliable way of testing for strep B. The chances are its going to be negative, but if its positive then you know in advance of possible complications for your baby and action can be taken. Ive read in pregnancy magazines of babies who have died of this. Antibiotics will only be given if necessary, so whats her problem? Seen as though there are more invasive tests done during pregnancy, which have a small risk of miscarriage (Such as an amnio or CVS) which they do, whats the problem with this one? Can you get a second opinion from another midwife or doctor? I find it very strange.
Take care
Love Kim

Vickyp · Post by **Vickyp** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 1:51 pm

Hi Kim

I know - it is weird and annoying. I suppose in theory you could be over zealous about getting yourself checked out for these sorts of things but considering what we have all been through to get this far it's probably worth it. I have also read about babies dying and if you knew that you could have done something to prevent it - I just don't know how you'd feel. I am still deciding what to do. It's all very confusing. Love Vicky

k · Post by k » Tue Mar 28, 2006 4:14 pm

Hi Vicky

I know the chances of losing a baby through this are rare and probably the majority of women dont test for it, especially with it not been on the NHS. My midwife didnt really know much about the test and shes been a midwife for many years, but she certainly didnt have any objections to it. I just find it an odd reaction from your midwife, unless there is something else that she isnt telling you as to why she is so against it. Im sure the women who have lost a baby through it would be quite angry at this attitude.
Anyway, all the best whatever you decide to do. Im sure you will be fine.
Take care
Love kim

Susie · Post by **Susie** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 4:22 pm

I had anti-biotics all thru labour for GBS, and the minute my hospital found out I had it they put large warning stickers all over my notes. My consultant is campaigning to get it tested as routine which is what happens in the US.
My consultant said it is important to know about it as if the antibiotics are not given the baby could develop meningitis, which often goes unnoticed until it is too late.
Going off what my consultant told me you need to have the test. GBS was not found in my urine. It was only found in the swabs. I think you're midwife is not really clued up about it. If I were you I'd get the test, get the GP to do the swabs, then make a decision about what to do when the results come back.
Midwifes are often wrong, after all I was told my baby wasnt big, and he was born weighing 11 LB 7OZ.
HTH
Susie

lolajones · Post by **lolajones** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 4:27 pm

Hi

Y'know, it is rare that this causes problems but once you've been told about it and you know there is a simple test and equally simple treatment I think you have to do it.
A good friend of mines baby died of this at age 2 weeks. 700 babies die each year. Have the test. As for the midwife - its probably just her ignornace talking rather than any objective scientific reasoning. You can always ask your obstetrician or find another midwife.
Take care

Love, lola
x

Vickyp · Post by **Vickyp** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 9:03 am

Thanks so much everyone

It's really helpful to have so much info to hand. Love Vicky

danica · Post by **danica** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 1:47 pm

hi everyone, i cant believe this test isnt a routine test where u guys are from - its such a simple test... its done here no matter if you're a public or private patient... strep is apparently quite common but no big deal - i know 2 ppl with it, one of which has had 2 beautiful healthy ivf kids who had antibiotics straight after delivery and of course are fine! im booked in to have the swab in 2weeks - im nervous coz im a chicken lol but its meant to be less invasive than a pap smear!
goodluck all!
d xo

Vickyp · Post by **Vickyp** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 3:01 pm

Hi

I have now received the test in the post and am going to do the swabs myself - or rather get my husband to do it. The midwife told me to do this and said it was very simple - I'll give it a go! I hope that puts an end to your worry Danica - how bad can it be if you can do it yourself! Love Vicky

Vickyp · Post by **Vickyp** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:03 pm

Hi everyone

Just got my results last week and I was positive - So looks like I'll be having the baby in Bath Hospital instead of Devizes - does anyone else who was positive know what antibiotics they had - apologies now for not getting back if you respond as I've just moved house & have no internet access at home - I'm getting my husband to log in at work. Thanks Love Vicky

Group B Streptococci

Group B Streptococci

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