To be honest I'm unsure about the merits of testing, but am adamant about the need for proper regular and continued obs and, as you say, awareness.

Group A strep infection is not going to go away, so what is key is to spot it in time and act accordingly. It need never get to the stage where a woman's life is in danger.

Thanks again for your support and for stopping by.

I find myself often preparing for the worst at work, & thanking my stars that I DID prepare in the odd case where we do have to get help for a woman, in a hurry.

Having been present at a delivery that was a very, very close call for mother & baby, I feel more than ever that stories like yours & Jessica's need to be told.

I am sceptical about women being tested for Group Step B etc, & cannot see myself ever recommending or endorsing it, but that does not mean that we as midwives should not be aware.

You have indeed made me think & made me that little bit MORE aware of why we do maternal obs, & why they are the most important & basic tools in saving women's lives in the puerperium.