Kelli, thank you and your husband for being champions for advocacy in our Group B Strep International community. I had also believed that my baby was safe because, as I had tested positive, I was told that IV antibiotics during labor would kill the bacteria instantly. I had my test results in hand when I arrived at the hospital to make sure I got my IV antibiotics. However, Rose was stillborn, having passed away in utero just before I got into the delivery room.
The one thing about Group B Strep that I wish every pregnant woman and every healthcare professsional understood is that Group B Strep is not just an issue at birth for those who test positive. There is a whole spectrum of scenarios in which babies can become infected by GBS, ranging from miscarriages through ultra late-onset. Parents need to be empowered by their trained healthcare professionals with the knowledge they need to help protect their babies at all stages including recognizing the signs of infection and knowing how to respond.
Kelli, what is the one thing about Group B Strep that you wish every pregnant woman and every healthcare professional understood?
Best,
Marti
CHIFA profile: Marti Perhach is CEO/Cofounder of Group B Strep International, United States. Professional interests: Group B strep disease research and prevention, prenatal infection, One Health. www.groupbstrepinternational.org Email address: marti.perhach AT gbs-intl.org