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Group B Stret Support
Group B Strep Support (GBSS) is a national charity that aims to prevent Group B Strep infection in newborn babies. Jane and Robert Plumb founded GBSS after the death of their second child, Theo, from the infection in 1996.
What is it?
GBS is a normal bacterium carried by about a third of all adults in their intestines, and 3 out of 10 wormen carry GBS in their vagina. Most people carry GBS and aren't aware of it as it causes no symptoms.
If a pregnant woman is carrying GBS, her baby may be exposed to the bacteria around labour. For some it can be no problem, but for others it can be deadly; causing meningitis, pneumonia, septicaemia, blood poisoning and, sadly for us,death.
Statistics
* It infects 700 babies a year
* Every year 75 babies die because of it
* Every year 45 babies are left with serious problems because of it
How can it be prevented?
A routine swab at 35-37 weeks would best predict whether a woman is carrying Group B Strep at time of delivery.
If found to be positive Group B Strep can be treated by giving the mother intravenous antibiotics 48 hours prior to delivery of her baby.
But the trouble is most people don't know they've got it until the baby's born ... and then it can be too late!!!
Currently Group B Strep is not routinely tested in the NHS although a private test can be purchased at a cost of £32.00. YOUR HELP COULD ENSURE THAT EVERY PREGNANT WOMAN IS TESTED.
What can GBS Support do with our help?
With our help they can:
Offer information and support to families affected by GBS
Inform health professionals and individuals about Group B Strep and how it can be prevented
Generate continued support for research into preventing Group B Strep infections in newborn babies
Jessica Louise was 6 hours' old when she died due to an overwhelming Group B Strep Infection. The medical professionals couldn't understand why she became ill so quickly - they had no time to save her. This is preventable!! Please help us help other parents avoid the pain of losing their baby to Group B Strep. Thank you for your support, Tim and I truly appreciate it.
Group B Strep Support (GBSS) is a national charity
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