At 36 weeks pregnant, I noticed that my baby’s movements had reduced, so I went to triage to get checked. I’m so grateful that I did.

That week, we experienced the first heatwave, and I was dehydrated. During my routine urine test, proteins were detected, so my sample was sent to the lab for further testing. We later discovered that I had Group B Strep (GBS).

GBS is a type of bacteria that can be harmless to the mother but can be dangerous for a newborn during labour and birth. Because I was GBS positive, I would need antibiotics through a drip during labour to reduce the risk of my baby becoming infected.

When my labour eventually started, my waters broke but I had no contractions.

Ordinarily, after your waters break, you may be able to wait for contractions to start naturally. However, because I was GBS positive, the risk of infection was much greater, and I needed to be induced as soon as possible.

Looking back, it is frightening to think that if I hadn’t gone to triage when I noticed reduced movements, we may never have discovered that I was GBS positive. Without knowing, our baby could have been at risk of developing a serious, potentially life-threatening infection.

GBS testing is not routinely offered to every pregnant woman in the UK, and I truly believe this needs to change. No parent should have to find out after their baby becomes seriously unwell that something could potentially have been prevented.

That’s why I’m raising money to support greater awareness of GBS and the importance of testing.

Throughout October, I’ll be walking 1 mile every day to raise awareness and funds.

If you’re able to donate, no matter how big or small, I would be incredibly grateful. 💕

Thank you so much for your support. Every donation helps spread awareness and could help protect another baby. 💕💕