As it is Strep B Awareness Month, we take a look at making a Strep B compensation claim.
Strep B is a type of bacteria that can live in the rectum, intestines, or vagina and is present in up to 40% of women in the UK. Although Strep B is not usually harmful, it can be spread through physical contact. This means it can be particularly dangerous when it is present in pregnant women, as it can be passed to a baby, and this could cause the baby to suffer from infections such as, sepsis, pneumonia or meningitis.
Testing for Group B Strep
Unfortunately testing for Group B Strep (GBS) is not routinely carried out by the NHS, meaning pregnant women are usually not made aware of it. Most cases are detected following a swab or urine test which has been done for a different reason. Campaigners say it is important that more women know about Group Strep B so they can get themselves tested.
GBS symptoms
If you are aware that you are a carrier of GBS, it is important to make sure that you make this known to those treating you and receive antibiotics when in labour, as this will help to minimize the risk of your baby contracting the disease. Newborns usually suffer with the following symptoms if they have contracted Group Strep B;
- A high or low temperature.
- Very fast or low breathing.
- Being floppy, or not responding normally.
- Issues with breathing, such as grunting or working extra hard.
- Changes in their skin colour.
- Not feeding well or vomiting milk.
Making a Group Strep B compensation claim
Women should be offered antibiotics during labour if they have tested positive for GBS, or if they have had another child that has suffered from infection after birth. In some cases, antibiotics have not been provided in situations where they should have been, and this has caused babies to suffer infection. If this has happened to you, then you may be eligible to pursue a medical negligence case.