In October 2017 Grace and her husband received the heartbreaking news that their baby Violet was delivered stillborn caused by Group B Strep (GBS) infection. It is estimated that less than 50% of pregnant women in the UK are aware of GBS, a natural and symptomless bacteria which is carried by 20-25% of women. GBS is usually harmless to the mother but in some cases it can cause life-threatening infection to the newborn. Currently in the UK 2 babies a day develop GBS infection, 1 baby dies from GBS and 1 baby survives with long term disability. Routine screening for GBS is not available on the NHS, yet studies show a significant reduction in GBS infection for the countries who do routinely screen.
Grace Banham
Whilst I was in labour I was told I had become very ill with an infection which led into Sepsis. Sepsis is a life threatening condition which causes things such as organ failure and death. My infection had not yet been detected.
I had a straight forward and easy pregnancy no one could understand why I had become so dramatically ill in such a short period of time. It came to light a couple of days later that my swabs had shown up with Group B Strep, a common infection which is carried in 20-25% of pregnant women. I had never heard of this infection and not one person had ever mentioned or talked to me about it. The Group B Strep was so dangerous it caused me and Violet to both become rapidly ill and stop Violets heart from beating.

You can purchase your Group B Strep test here: www.strepelle.com