- By Dan Martin
- BBC News, Leicester
A mum who said she nearly died giving birth has called for the NHS to carry out more testing for the Group B Strep (GBS) bug.
Preya, 39, fell seriously ill from the bacterial infection just before her daughter Uma was born.
She said a simple test could have identified the infection and helped her avoid a traumatic labour which also nearly claimed the life of her child.
NHS England has been contacted for comment.
Preya said she and Uma were both lucky to survive the emergency Caesarean section birth at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, in 2021.
NHS guidance stated GBS was common in pregnant women and rarely caused any problems. It can be passed onto babies during labour, however it is not routinely tested for.
Preya is now training to run the London Marathon on Sunday to raise awareness of the infection and money for the Group B Strep Support charity.
“We both nearly died due to group B strep,” she said.
“My water’s broke at about 34 weeks and after about a day I began to feel so ill. I had a high fever and I was in and out of consciousness – the signs of maternal sepsis caused by group B strep.
“I don’t remember too much about it but I was rushed into theatre.
“After Uma was born she was very poorly and had to be taken into ICU for resuscitation.
“It was a really scary time and there is no doubt the wonderful hospital staff saved our lives.”
Preya added: “Uma is now a happy, healthy and thriving little girl but I know how close it was for both of us at the time.”
She said she had since been researching group B strep because she did not want other families to face the trauma hers did.
“I found out there was a simple and cheap swab test and I want that to be part of standard care,” she said. “You can also get it done privately.
“A study has showed black and Asian face a higher rate of group B strep so it’s important they get tested.
“We are losing too many babies to group B strep and it’s something that is mostly treatable and preventable.”
She has already passed her £2,500 fundraising target.
“I’m really looking forward to the marathon. I’m really grateful I’m still here to do it and Uma is really excited about it,” she added.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
