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OLIVE - ENGLAND
Born March 17, 2025 Early-onset Mother's GBS Status: Tested positive Gestational Age: 36 weeks Age harmed: Newborn |
I am writing to share my story to help raise awareness about Group B Strep (GBS) and to advocate for mandatory testing for all expectant mothers. My experience taught me that, currently, a safe outcome for a baby can often come down to pure luck—and that is a reality that needs to change.
During my pregnancy, I noticed reduced fetal movement and went to the hospital for a check-up. As part of my routine care, they took a urine sample. A week later, I received the unexpected news that the sample had tested positive for GBS. Honestly, I had never even heard of the condition before that moment. Had I not gone in for that specific check-up, I would never have known I carried the bacteria.
Fate intervened again when my waters broke at 36 weeks. Because I already knew I was GBS positive, I understood the urgency of the situation and paid close attention to the small amount of fluid I lost. Had I been unaware of my status, I might not have sought immediate medical attention.
My daughter, Olive, was born early and required an 11-day stay in the hospital for treatment. Even now, she requires ongoing blood tests to monitor her health. I shudder to think how much worse things could have been had we not known about the infection or had access to the necessary antibiotics at the time of her birth.
I believe that no parent should have to rely on "luck" to ensure their baby is protected from GBS. That is why I have launched a parliamentary petition calling for universal testing to be offered to all expectant mothers. You can view and support the petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/768997
I am sharing my journey in the hope that it helps your organization continue its vital work in advocacy and education. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to further support your efforts in raising awareness.
- Leona
I share links and posts to my social media I also have a petition published by the UK parliament to mandate the offering of screening to parents.
During my pregnancy, I noticed reduced fetal movement and went to the hospital for a check-up. As part of my routine care, they took a urine sample. A week later, I received the unexpected news that the sample had tested positive for GBS. Honestly, I had never even heard of the condition before that moment. Had I not gone in for that specific check-up, I would never have known I carried the bacteria.
Fate intervened again when my waters broke at 36 weeks. Because I already knew I was GBS positive, I understood the urgency of the situation and paid close attention to the small amount of fluid I lost. Had I been unaware of my status, I might not have sought immediate medical attention.
My daughter, Olive, was born early and required an 11-day stay in the hospital for treatment. Even now, she requires ongoing blood tests to monitor her health. I shudder to think how much worse things could have been had we not known about the infection or had access to the necessary antibiotics at the time of her birth.
I believe that no parent should have to rely on "luck" to ensure their baby is protected from GBS. That is why I have launched a parliamentary petition calling for universal testing to be offered to all expectant mothers. You can view and support the petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/768997
I am sharing my journey in the hope that it helps your organization continue its vital work in advocacy and education. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to further support your efforts in raising awareness.
- Leona
I share links and posts to my social media I also have a petition published by the UK parliament to mandate the offering of screening to parents.