My personal journey into motherhood was marred by an unexpected discovery - I tested positive for Group B strep (GBS). This was not detected through routine testing, but because I suffered from several urine infections during my pregnancy. Had it not been for these infections, GBS would have remained undetected and could have potentially passed onto my baby during labour. With being made aware I had GBS, I was given options to help protect my baby while I was in labour and afterwards also. I am forever thankful that I was given antibiotics throughout my labour as this could have been the difference between life or death for my child. The antibiotics alone reduce the risk of your baby developing a GBS infection in their first week of life from around 1 in 400 to 1 in 4,000. The realisation that this crucial test is not a standard part of prenatal care left me horrified.

Group B strep is a common bacteria often carried in the intestines or lower genital tract. While generally harmless in adults, it can be fatal to newborns if transmitted during childbirth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 4 pregnant women carry GBS, and without intervention, around 1 in 200 babies will develop early-onset GBS disease. GBS is also the most common cause of serious infection in newborn babies in the UK, and one of the leading causes of neonatal sepsis and meningitis.

Despite these alarming statistics, routine testing for GBS is still not mandatory across all healthcare systems. This needs to change. We must ensure that every pregnant woman is tested throughout their pregnancy so that necessary measures can be taken to prevent transmission of the bacteria during labour. 

By signing this petition, you are advocating for the health and safety of mothers and their newborns everywhere. Let's make routine testing for Group B Strep a standard part of prenatal care! Please sign this petition today!