It was really quick and I don't remember it being uncomfortable, just a bit tickly maybe? The midwife trying to examine me to see how dilated I was while I was having a strong contraction was definitely worse and more memorable
Pregnancy #50
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That’s so awful, I didn’t realise that was what made him so poorlyI can't remember exactly because I was having regular contractions at the time and not paying full attention haha but I don't think they have to go as far as the smear test - I had both my tina and rectum swabbed and I think they just gently swiped the swab around the outer edges/just inside.
I'd recommend the swab to everyone, even if your NHS trust don't provide it as standard (you can have it done privately) - it's only effective if you're swabbed after 37 weeks as the infection can come and go, and the key thing is whether it's likely to be present during labour, but knowing you have it means you can be given antibiotics that could save your baby's lifemy swab during labour came back positive and they started me on antibiotics but baby bandit came too quickly for me to have the full dose, and unfortunately caught the infection (not all babies with a positive mum will catch it). He was really poorly and we were in hospital for a week - luckily he's had no lasting side effects but it could have been so much worse so I feel very strongly about everyone being swabbed if possible because I'd hate for anyone to go through what we did or worse
I was going to get the test whenever you can and pay for it privately (is that at 34 weeks?) and my midwife actually told me to not bother! She said unless you have it during/just before labour, there is 0 point. It’s mad how different the hospitals and trusts operate.Has anyone got a belly support band that they really love? I have a support belt currently and find it very uncomfortable to wear as it has boning through the back that forces my posture out of whack! I'm only 17 weeks but have had some issues with the pain especially if I've been sitting a while and get up, feel like I need a little something to help support my growing bump but without the physical scaffolding 
There were a couple of other things that meant he didn't do great initially, but the infection was the main one and was the reason we were in hospital so long.That’s so awful, I didn’t realise that was what made him so poorly
Just before/at the start of labour is the best time to be tested because the infection can come and go, so if you're tested too early and it comes back ok you still have time for the infection to develop without you knowing. I was very lucky that my hospital trust are part of a national trial to offer the test to all women with immediate results as they can process the swab on-site - in other areas the standard practice is to only offer the test if you're deemed at high risk of infection (which I wasn't), and it's done any time from 37 weeks (full term) as the swab has to be sent away, and they want the results back before you're likely to go into labour so they know whether to give antibiotics.
I was aware of group b strep before pregnancy so specifically asked about testing at my midwife appointments, but hadn't looked at the statistics about outcomes until he was a couple of months old and it really upset me. I contacted the research team in my area and wrote a case study for inclusion in a conference about the trial in case it helps sway the NHS into making testing available to all pregnant women, and in the meantime am trying to spread the word a bit and encourage people to discuss it with their midwife and accept the test if it's offered because it can make such a difference.
Sorry if that all sounds doom and gloom - I just wanted to share my experience so you can all find out more if you weren't aware of it - and if baby does get the infection, neonatal units are absolutely incredible and will do everything in their power to keep baby safe and to get them back to you ASAP
They really downplay it in my area. I had strep b years ago and thought it may have been affecting my fertility so asked when I had a swab and camera if it would be an issue as I didn't know anything about it at the time and they just said "no, just mention it if you do ever get pregnant so you can have antibiotics" I always remembered this so when I got pregnant I mentioned it at my booking appointment but the midwife said I may not have it any more and didn't seem concerned but then after my 12 week scan I had a hospital letter with an appointment for 36 weeks. At my antenatal class it was mentioned but glossed over and I was the only person out of about 14 to be having the swab and again the midwife downplayed it as basically nothing and told people not to worry etc. I asked how early on into labour I'd need the antibiotics and she didn't really have an answer for me. It's so good that you are raising awareness and making your voice heard because if I hadn't have been told I had strep b before I never would have known when I got pregnant.There were a couple of other things that meant he didn't do great initially, but the infection was the main one and was the reason we were in hospital so long.
Just before/at the start of labour is the best time to be tested because the infection can come and go, so if you're tested too early and it comes back ok you still have time for the infection to develop without you knowing. I was very lucky that my hospital trust are part of a national trial to offer the test to all women with immediate results as they can process the swab on-site - in other areas the standard practice is to only offer the test if you're deemed at high risk of infection (which I wasn't), and it's done any time from 37 weeks (full term) as the swab has to be sent away, and they want the results back before you're likely to go into labour so they know whether to give antibiotics.
I was aware of group b strep before pregnancy so specifically asked about testing at my midwife appointments, but hadn't looked at the statistics about outcomes until he was a couple of months old and it really upset me. I contacted the research team in my area and wrote a case study for inclusion in a conference about the trial in case it helps sway the NHS into making testing available to all pregnant women, and in the meantime am trying to spread the word a bit and encourage people to discuss it with their midwife and accept the test if it's offered because it can make such a difference.
Sorry if that all sounds doom and gloom - I just wanted to share my experience so you can all find out more if you weren't aware of it - and if baby does get the infection, neonatal units are absolutely incredible and will do everything in their power to keep baby safe and to get them back to you ASAP
I'm so sorry you had a negative experience and that you had to push to get antibiotics - well done for advocating for yourself
I'm very lucky that my hospital trust take it seriously, and when I had my birth debrief I was told that I will be given antibiotics in early labour in any future pregnancies as a preventative measure no matter what because I've had the infection previously, which was great to hear. It's scary that it's so easily dismissed, but I guess that's because statistically so few babies are likely to catch the infection during labour so it's seen as a rarity - but unfortunately a high number of those that ARE infected end up extremely poorly. I don't want to worry people but I'd also hate to not mention it and then for something to happen because someone wasn't aware of it - I meant to share some information on social media but forgot so I'll have to get onto that soon so I can feel like I've done my best to prevent any other babies getting unwell.They swab everyone planning a vaginal birth (other than those who decline) in Australia in both our public and private systems. I understand it’s a balance with unnecessary antibiotics but it can be so dangerous for babies!
I bought a babygo one from Amazon that’s really helped. I think they’re all similar, however, you’re not really supposed to wear them sat down. I wear the first “bit” while driving and pop the rest one when I get out of the car. It’s the only thing that’s still letting me walk around.Has anyone got a belly support band that they really love? I have a support belt currently and find it very uncomfortable to wear as it has boning through the back that forces my posture out of whack! I'm only 17 weeks but have had some issues with the pain especially if I've been sitting a while and get up, feel like I need a little something to help support my growing bump but without the physical scaffolding
If youre in England and would like to buy a test for Group B Strep, you can get one from this website. Need to order by 33 weeks, to make sure its here in time and costs £37.50.
www.theblayzeingstar.org
Raising awareness of GBS | The Blayze-ing Star Charity
Read Blayze's story and find out why the Blayze-ing Star Charity was set up and how we are raising awareness of GroupB Strep
www.theblayzeingstar.org
Thank you for sharing - the story on the homepage has made me have a little cry so if anyone is feeling extra emotional at the moment it might be worth skipping straight to the pages about what GBS is and how to order a testIf youre in England and would like to buy a test for Group B Strep, you can get one from this website. Need to order by 33 weeks, to make sure its here in time and costs £37.50.
Raising awareness of GBS | The Blayze-ing Star Charity
Read Blayze's story and find out why the Blayze-ing Star Charity was set up and how we are raising awareness of GroupB Strep
I used a Mamaroo for my first baby (borrowed off a friend) and really liked it/worked well for our baby but was just wondering if these are the best ones to get or if there are better alternatives before I get one this time? Will be keeping an eye on second hand pages etc to try keep cost down. Friend is also due a baby so won’t be available to borrow this time! Thanks for any help! X
You're welcome. It's a friend of a friend who set this up so feels quite close. Charity is named after her little boyThank you for sharing - the story on the homepage has made me have a little cry so if anyone is feeling extra emotional at the moment it might be worth skipping straight to the pages about what GBS is and how to order a test
Please tell her she's incredible for trying to help others, and I'm so sorry for her lossYou're welcome. It's a friend of a friend who set this up so feels quite close. Charity is named after her little boy
Woo my travel system is being dispatched for delivery early next week! Keep seeing early babies being born and I’m getting a tiny bit panicky… it’s now nine weeks until I go on mat leave.
stuck on nightlight ideas - any recommendations?
stuck on nightlight ideas - any recommendations?
Just bought a random one off Amazon that has three different brightnesses. Have it on brightest now for story time and then lowest once she’s asleep.
We have a plug in one on the landing, it’s too bright in our room/toddler room but gives enough light toddler can get into our room and I’ll be able to see for night changes etc. it’s not very bouji though haha if you want something pretty
I bought a little sloth nightlight from Lisa Angel for our room that gives a gentle glow that allows me to see him well but is soft enough for me to easily sleep with it on - and then for his nursery I bought a touch on/off lamp from Matalan for when I do nappy changes or night feeds because I just wanted to be able to stumble in and tap it rather than fumble with a switch
House of Disaster Sleepy Sloth LED Night Light
Looking for soothing lighting? Try this sleeping sloth night light from House of Disaster. With Free Worldwide delivery (minimum spend applies).
www.lisaangel.co.uk
BHS Grey Touch Stick Table Lamp (40cm x 15cm x 15cm) - One Size | Matalan UK
Shop BHS Grey Touch Stick Table Lamp (40cm x 15cm x 15cm) - One Size at Matalan UK. Free UK Delivery
Thank you for this info. I know about Group B Strep but I hadn’t heard about this swab. Currently 23 weeks and have my 25 week midwife appt in a couple of weeks, so will ask if it’s offered routinely on my nhs.There were a couple of other things that meant he didn't do great initially, but the infection was the main one and was the reason we were in hospital so long.
Just before/at the start of labour is the best time to be tested because the infection can come and go, so if you're tested too early and it comes back ok you still have time for the infection to develop without you knowing. I was very lucky that my hospital trust are part of a national trial to offer the test to all women with immediate results as they can process the swab on-site - in other areas the standard practice is to only offer the test if you're deemed at high risk of infection (which I wasn't), and it's done any time from 37 weeks (full term) as the swab has to be sent away, and they want the results back before you're likely to go into labour so they know whether to give antibiotics.
I was aware of group b strep before pregnancy so specifically asked about testing at my midwife appointments, but hadn't looked at the statistics about outcomes until he was a couple of months old and it really upset me. I contacted the research team in my area and wrote a case study for inclusion in a conference about the trial in case it helps sway the NHS into making testing available to all pregnant women, and in the meantime am trying to spread the word a bit and encourage people to discuss it with their midwife and accept the test if it's offered because it can make such a difference.
Sorry if that all sounds doom and gloom - I just wanted to share my experience so you can all find out more if you weren't aware of it - and if baby does get the infection, neonatal units are absolutely incredible and will do everything in their power to keep baby safe and to get them back to you ASAP
Will be worth the embarrassment of it to check for the infection. Thanks again!
Had my 16 week appointment with the midwife today and I need to have a little rant. Long story long, my booking appointment was cancelled last minute and moved to another local doctor's surgery. Turned up for the appointment, which I had to wait almost 2 hours past my appointment time, and they didn't have my notes. I was told that I would get them today. Went to the appointment today and she didn't have them, knew nothing about it. She asked how I was getting on and I explained about the problems I've been having with pain in my coccyx after sitting for long periods and the pains I get through my lower tummy when I stand up and she just kind of glossed over them. Took my blood pressure and then asked if I'd had appointments through for the flu jab and a covid booster. I hadn't so she did the flu jab and whooping cough one today and said I needed to book in for the covid one myself. Then she asked how I was getting on with the aspirin they'd prescribed. I said I'd finished the course I was given and she was like what now. You need to take that until you're 34 weeks! No-one told me and the doctor's surgery don't have it as a repeat prescription (appreciate I can just buy my own but otc ones are a higher mg than the one I had been prescribed). She booked me in for another appointment in 5 weeks time and that was it. Left feeling really down and had a sore arm from the jabs. Feel like the level of care I'm getting this pregnancy is much less than I got with my son, swear I had a lot more appointments and that was during covid too. I don't really know what I was expecting but can't help but feel like I'm being left on my own, if that makes sense.
Second pregnancies you get way less appointments, I am consultant led but didn’t even get offered a community midwife appt this time. From my 12 week appointment I didn’t see anyone until 28 weeks (except for my anomaly scan). Definitely speak to your GP re the aspirin- the letter from the hospital will state when you should take it to (I know this varies from trust to trust, some say until 40 weeks mine is until 37 weeks). Also mention the pain, I had this and it was PGP and was referred to physio (the birthing ball was the only place I could sit near the end, but it gave a lot of relief in that particular area!). It’s frustrating, but you know your own body so make sure you advocate for yourself when you don’t think something it right
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