Understanding Group B Strep (GBS) in Pregnancy: UK Screening & Risks

Question
Hi, What can you tell me about strep B? and why is it not screened in pregnant woman in the Uk?  Is it screened anywhere?  I'm asking this because my child had it and nearly died.

Answer
I am not sure why it isn't screened in the UK except that it is still considered a rare condition for a newborn to become seriously ill by it- only 3 babies out of every 1000 born will  become ill with it.  It may also be dependent on your health care provider as I have two friends in the UK who were screened for it by their midwives as part of routine and another who requested it. In the United States, it is routinely screened in pregnant women as are most diseases and disorders- regardless of rarity.

The group B Streptococcus bacterium is naturally found in about 30% of women. It is generally located in the lower intestines and/or the vagina. When it becomes a problem is when the bacteria colonizes. A case of heavily colonized group B strep in the vagina can be dangerous for a newborn during a normal vaginal birth. There are steps medical providers can take, however, that can minimize this risk while still performing a successful vaginal birth. In addition, newborns already having risk factors (premature infants, premature rupture of the membranes, etc.) are at higher risk for transmitting GBS from a colonized mother than a baby who didn't have the risk factors.

Please let me know if I can help you further or with anything else.

Best wishes,
Helen =)