 |
Welcome to Group B Strep Support!
The information on this site is for information only and cannot be a substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional. If in doubt, please consult your doctor.
 Please sign our ePetition: We are calling for on the Department of Health to ensure that every woman is routinely
given accurate information about group B Streptococcus (group B Strep or
GBS) during her antenatal care; every low-risk woman is offered a
sensitive test for GBS, ideally at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy; and every
higher-risk woman is offered antibiotics in labour.
For more information about the petition, click here Ready to sign the petition? Please click here (opens in a new window).
The Issue
Group B Strep (GBS) is a bacteria commonly found inhabiting the human digestive system (and often the vagina of adult women). It is normally harmless, however, it can be passed to newborn babies around childbirth, and in babies which then develop GBS infection, it can be very serious.
Group B Strep infections in newborn babies are usually preventable - so many of these horrible infections could be prevented. To do this, at GBSS, we want to see:
-
Every pregnant woman in the UK given accurate information about group B Streptococcus (GBS) as a routine part of her antenatal care.
-
A national screening program to be introduced on the NHS, to test all pregnant women for carriage of GBS at 35-37 weeks.
-
Those women found to be carrying GBS, as well as those with risk factors that put their babies at higher risk of developing GBS infection, to be offered intravenous antibiotics in labour.
____________________________
Recent News - To find out more information about recent fundraising efforts, and about the GBSS's recent updates, read our most recent newsletter here.
- To find out the latest news relating to group B Strep, click here.
The Aims of the Charity
Group B Strep Support (GBSS) is a UK charity, founded in 1996. Our three main aims are to:
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| Health Professionals |
| Information for Health Professionals
here » |
|
|
|
|
|
Dr Chris Steele MBE, GBSS Patron, says
"Life-threatening group B Strep infections in newborn babies can usually be prevented - get informed and protect your baby.
Ultimately I’d like to see every pregnant woman in the UK offered a reliable test for GBS on the NHS – this test is a routine part of antenatal care in many countries including Australia, Canada, Spain and the USA. Until then, raising awareness is the key to saving babies’ lives. I’d urge any pregnant woman to get informed about GBS, and get tested.”
Dr Chris Steele, resident doctor on ITV’s This Morning, is Group B Strep Support’s Patron. Known and trusted by millions, family GP Dr Steele is renowned for his practical and open approach to airing medical issues in the media.
Group B Strep may also be referred to as Beta Strep, Beta Haemolytic Strep, Strep B and Streptococcus agalactiae. GBS can also stand for Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Click here for support and information on Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Group B Strep Support
Tel: 01444 416176
Fax: 0870 803 0024
E-mail: info@gbss.org.uk
Please note: GBSS can only provide information, not give advice.
Opening Hours:
Weekdays 9.15 am to 3.00 pm |
