Mum Shannon writes “Early in my pregnancy I found out I was a carrier of group B Strep due to some medical issues I was having I had to have multiple different tests done.
My waters broke on Sunday 25th August 2019 ( I was 39+4 gestation) and despite the hospital being fully aware I was a carrier of group B Strep they sent me home as I wasn’t in “active labour”. Within 24 hours I developed a high temperature at wasn’t feeling well so I went back to the hospital. They started to induce me and inserted the intravenous antibiotics I needed due to being positive for group B Strep but it didn’t work, despite getting strong regular contractions I didn’t dilate any further than 2 cm and in the early hours of the morning on the 27th they thought they lost my baby’s heartbeat. It turned out it significantly dropped and nothing would bring it back up. I was rushed down for an Emergency Cesarean and our little boy was born at 4.20 am.
At around 8 am Arthur had a very high temperature and got taken to SCBU (Special Care Baby Unit) where he underwent a few tests. He had a high infection level in his blood and needed intravenous antibiotics for at least 48 hours. Due to blood tests still coming back with high infection level these antibiotics carried on fora further 5 days. I can remember sitting there crying to the nurse because I didn’t understand why because he looked so healthy. I remember her response being “He does look healthy yes but I can assure you he is very poorly” I couldn’t help but blame myself. The consultant that was working the shift when Arthur was born came round and spoke to me, she apologised, and said they should have done more and I shouldn’t have been sent home when my waters broke.
Anyway, after a week in hospital we were allowed home and we have a healthy, happy, clever and gorgeous 7 month old. More people need to be aware of group B Strep and more needs to be done to test and support pregnant women. My boy is one of the lucky ones but many aren’t! And that is why this charity is close to my heart.”
