Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, is supporting Strep B Awareness Month to improve knowledge and awareness of Strep B.
Group B Streptococcus (Group B Strep, Strep B, Beta Strep, or GBS) is a type of bacteria which lives in the reproductive systems of around 2-4 in every 10 women in the UK (20-40%). This is often referred to as ‘carrying’ or being ‘colonised with’ GBS.
Group B Strep is not a sexually transmitted disease. Most women carrying GBS will have no symptoms. Carrying GBS is not harmful to you, but it can affect your baby around the time of birth.
GBS can occasionally cause serious infection in young babies – including meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia – and, very rarely, during pregnancy before labour.
Andrew Gwynne said:
“Strep B Awareness Month is really important in drawing attention to an issue that many are unaware of, but which is the leading cause of severe infection in newborn babies in the UK.
“I’d strongly encourage people to visit the Group B Strep Support website to find out more about Strep B. It is a fantastic resource for both health professionals and people affected by Strep B.”