Martha’s mum Laura Jane writes,
“Having seen about group B Strep from Iwan Thomas, I decided to test privately for group B Strep through Group B Strep Support’s website recommendation when I was 36 weeks pregnant. After a positive result, I was sent an information pack, letter for my midwife team and alert stickers for my maternity notes.
At 40+3 I was unsure if my waters had broken or not, so went to Kingston Hospital who confirmed that I had. I was given my first IV antibiotics shortly after, and subsequent doses throughout. I had a vaginal birth in the birthing centre at Kingston Hospital without pain meds 12 hours after arriving at the hospital.
After birth, I was informed my temperature had spiked so they were concerned Martha may have contracted group B Strep infection. She had blood cultures taken we stayed in hospital for three nights where Martha was carefully monitored and had IV antibiotics every 12 hours. Thankfully we had a negative result and were allowed home the next day. Martha is now nearly nine months old. I am so glad I knew I was group B Strep positive and that Martha was cared for so thoroughly.”
