HSC stops screening for GBS in pregnant women
EXPECTANT mothers will no longer be routinely screened for group B streptococcus during pregnancy following a review by Health & Social Care.
GBS is an infection commonly found in the human body, with the NHS saying one-in-five pregnant women in the UK carries GBS in their digestive system or vagina.
Most babies that come into contact with it are unaffected. However, a small number become infected.
Alex Hawkins-Drew, consultant midwife for Public Health, said the decision to withdraw the regular screening had been taken following significant research.
‘In March 2017, the UK National Screening Committee published their review of GBS screening in pregnancy. This included a full analysis of all available evidence and data,’ she said.
‘The review concluded that a national screening programme i.e. routine screening for the GBS bacteria in pregnant women, would not be recommended. Guernsey carried out a similar review in September 2017 and decided to withdraw routine GBS screening in pregnancy. This was based on a number of factors including that the carriage of GBS changes with time. A woman may be found carrying GBS when screened at 35 to 37 weeks, but it may no longer be present at labour and vice versa.
‘The passage of GBS from the mother to the neonate is not automatic and the rate of early onset group B streptococcus disease is approximately one in every 2,000 births.’
Ms Hawkins-Drew said the use of antibiotics as a precautionary measure is not without risk to mothers.
‘If we continued to screen the whole population we would be administering antibiotics to approximately one in every five of the mothers who were admitted in labour,’ she said.
‘It is also vital to maintain a sensible approach to the use of antibiotics, ensuring they remain effective for those who require them.’
She said HSC will continue to offer prophylactic antibiotic administration by an infusion drip to mothers, when they are in labour, who:
Have had GBS detected in a urine sample during their pregnancy.
Had a baby previously who developed either early or late onset GBS disease.
Develop a high temperature in labour (over 38C).
Go into labour before they are 37 weeks pregnant.
Are suspected to have developed an infection in labour.
Have required a vaginal swab taking for another reason during their pregnancy and this has detected GBS.
Ms Hawkins-Drew said any parents with concerns that they would like to discuss further should contact their midwife.
