Mums call for Strep B screening to save babies

Mothers across the country are calling for mandatory screening for Group B Streptococcus (Strep B) in pregnant women. Strep B is a common and often harmless bacteria found in the gut and vagina of many women, but can be passed on to babies during childbirth, leading to potentially serious complications including sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Strep B is one of the leading causes of neonatal infections in the United States. While most babies exposed to the bacteria do not develop any problems, a small percentage can become seriously ill or even die.

Many mothers who have experienced the devastating effects of Strep B in their own children are advocating for routine screening to be included in standard prenatal care. Currently, testing for Strep B is not universally recommended in the US, leading to many cases going undetected until it is too late.

By raising awareness about the importance of screening for Strep B and advocating for policy changes to make it a standard part of prenatal care, these mothers hope to prevent other families from experiencing the heartbreak of losing a baby to this preventable infection.

It is crucial for pregnant women to discuss the risks and benefits of Strep B screening with their healthcare providers and to advocate for their own health and the health of their babies.