Hello,
have been looking into group B strep some more online today. Apparently in the US and France for example they automatically screen all pregnant women for GBS but NICE has decreed that it is not cost effective in the UK (as in the screening does not pick up enough cases for it to be worth it). The general test is only 50% reliable, so there's a massive chance of false negatives (whereas the specialist test is more accurate but very expensive). As for at what stage to test for it, there's not much point until the end of your pregnancy since it's only an issue in labour (hence most testing not taking place before 35-36 weeks). PCTs wont pay for the test because of NICE's decision, so those that do test have to find the budget from somewhere (they simply won't put money into maternity services).
As for symptoms, I've not had any at all, no discharge, no itching, no pain, nothing (have never had thrush or a UTI) - there's been nothing at all to indicate I'm colonised. I think it's crazy that they don't automatically screen women, from what I've read undetected GBS kills 75-80 babies in the UK every year, and leaves many more very ill, some with longterm problems.
Being given antibiotics in labour will not do any harm to our babies at all, it's perfectly safe, and if you have them 4 hours before you give birth there's a 0% chance that baby will be infected.
Have had a long walk in town today trying to get baby moving further down (is a baby surprise so no pinks or baby blues for me!) - hoing to avoid induction!
Take Care,
Siobhan
