A Leicester mother, Preya, recounts her harrowing experience of battling a Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection during childbirth, highlighting the urgent need for expanded testing protocols within the NHS. Preya, aged 39, faced a life-threatening situation just before delivering her daughter, Uma, due to complications arising from the bacterial infection.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Preya emphasizes the potential lifesaving impact of a straightforward screening test for GBS, which could have averted the traumatic labor she endured, alongside the peril faced by her newborn daughter. The absence of routine GBS testing, a protocol outlined by NHS guidance, underscores a critical gap in preventative healthcare measures for pregnant women.
In an effort to raise awareness and support for those affected by GBS, Preya has embarked on a mission to run the London Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, while also fundraising for the Group B Strep Support charity. Her determination to advocate for improved testing standards stems from the profound personal impact of her own near-fatal encounter with the infection.
Recalling the critical moments leading up to Uma’s birth, Preya vividly describes the onset of maternal sepsis, a direct consequence of GBS, which necessitated emergency medical intervention. Both mother and child narrowly escaped the grips of mortality, thanks to the swift and skilled actions of hospital staff at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Despite the overwhelming challenges they faced, Preya remains steadfast in her commitment to raising awareness and promoting accessible testing options for GBS, particularly among communities with disproportionately higher rates of infection. Her tireless efforts have already surpassed fundraising goals, demonstrating the collective support behind her cause.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming marathon, Preya expresses gratitude for the opportunity to champion this vital cause while celebrating the resilience and vitality of her daughter, Uma. Their shared journey serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures to combat GBS and safeguard the well-being of expectant mothers and their infants.
