posted 5th May 2023
Group B Strep…Should I be Concerned?
This has become a popular topic for pregnant women, so I thought I would answer some of your questions and let you known that the Group B Strep test is available at Daisyscan. It’s quick, easy and the results only take 24 hours to get back to you.
What is Group B Streptococcus?
It is a type of bacteria common in both women and men. It usually lives in the intestine, rectum and vagina. It affects 20%-40% of women.
It is not a sexually transmitted disease and in most cases Group B strep is harmless, many don’t even realise they have it. Being a carrier of GBS is harmless but it can affect your baby around the time of birth. Occasionally this can cause a serious infection in the newborn.
What could Group B Strep mean for me and the pregnancy?
Many babies will come into contact with Group B Strep during labour or birth and most of them will be healthy. However, if you are a carrier of GBS there is a small chance that the new born could develop an infection.
Is my baby at risk of Group B infection, and how can I reduce this risk?
Around 1 in every 1,750 new born babies in the UK are diagnosed with an early onset of GBS infection. This infection could go on to develop further infections in the blood, lung or on the brain. Even though these can be very serious infections, when acknowledged quickly and appropriate treatment given, most babies make a full recovery.
Will I be tested for Group B Strep in Pregnancy?
Testing for Group B strep is not offed routinely on the NHS in the UK. There are many pros and cons to this debate and at present a major research trial is ongoing. GBS Research Trial. One option you do have is to be tested privately for GBS. Daisyscan offers this quick and easy test, giving you reassurance for the later stages of pregnancy.
What happens if I am a Group B Strep carrier?
If you have a positive GBS result then this means you are a carrier. It doesn’t mean you are ill or that your baby will be affected, it just means that there is an increased chance that you may pass the bacteria on to your baby. In order to prevent Group B Strep bacteria from being passed on intravenously, antibiotics are given during labour and delivery.
Choices available to you?
If you are worried about GBS, you can always talk to your midwife, GP or to us here at Daisyscan.
If you decide to test, you should aim to test in the last 5 weeks of pregnancy (between 35 weeks-37 weeks gestation.) We offer the Enriched Culture Medium Group B Strep tests which is the gold standard, recommended by Public Health England and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
If you have any questions or would like to book a Group B Strep test, please do contact us at the Daisyscan clinic on: 01223 207 158 or email info@Daisyscan.co.uk.