Texas power demand misses record, but more highs seen in heatwave
Demand for power in Texas missed a forecast record on Tuesday, but the state's grid operator projected electric
1970-01-01 08:00
What is group B strep? Charity says pregnant women ‘in the dark’
Pregnant women and new mothers are not being given enough information about life-threatening group B strep, a charity has warned. A survey for the charity Group B Strep Support (GBSS) of 529 pregnant women and mothers who had a baby in the last two years found that 66% are not getting information from their healthcare professional about group B strep. Just 24% said they were given information by a health professional about the bacteria and 62% did not feel confident identifying symptoms of the potentially life-threatening infection in a baby. What is group B strep? It is a type of bacteria called streptococcal bacteria and can be found in both men and women. GBSS says around two to four out of every 10 women in the UK will carry group B strep in their rectum, vagina, or intestines, although most of them won’t experience any symptoms. It’s usually harmless, and even common in pregnancy, but there is a risk it could spread to your baby and make them ill. What happens if a baby gets it?Group B strep It’s the most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborn babies, and it can kill within hours.The charity says two babies a day develop the infection, one baby dies of it every week, and one baby a week recovers, but with a life-changing disability. It says most of these cases could be prevented. It can also lead to serious conditions including meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia. Why are there not more tests? The NHS does not routinely test for group B strep, though women can pay privately for a test (which costs around £40). It may be found during examinations for another reason, such as a vaginal swab. Group B Strep Support says many high-income countries routinely offer testing to all pregnant women, including the United States, Canada, Germany, France and Spain. However, the national screening committee ruled that tests cannot accurately distinguish between those mothers whose babies are at risk, and those who are not. It said this means that a large number of women would unnecessarily be offered antibiotics. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “There is currently insufficient evidence that the benefits of universal screening for Group B streptococcal infections could outweigh the harm. “However, there is an ongoing clinical trial into this screening, which is due to report in 2024, and the UK National Screening Committee will consider its results when complete.” Are there any signs in newborns? Symptoms of a group B strep infection can develop up to three months after birth. Go to A&E or call 999 if your baby is floppy and unresponsive, working hard to breathe, has very fast or slow breathing, unusually high temperature, changes to their skin colour, vomiting up milk, or has an unusually fast or slow heart rate.How is it treated?If you do get tested or you’ve had a baby who has been affected before, you may be advised to give birth in a hospital setting (rather than midwife-run birth centre or at home).Some women can have antibiotics in labour to cut the chance a baby will fall ill. You may be asked to stay in hospital for at least 12 hours after giving birth to monitor the baby, the NHS says. Newborn babies can be given antibiotics too. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Britney Spears: I worked my ass off to get my memoir written Emilia Clarke’s brain haemorrhage ‘profoundly changed our lives’, says star’s mother What is ‘bed rotting’ and is it actually self-care?
1970-01-01 08:00
Deep space orbit to provide non-traditional resting place
Gerry and Elizabeth Paulus love taking road trips across the United States, and soon they’ll be preparing for
1970-01-01 08:00
Liechtenstein country profile
Provides an overview of Liechtenstein, including key facts about this small European state.
1970-01-01 08:00
Prayuth Chan-ocha: Thailand coup leader departs the stage
Prayuth Chan-ocha's nine years of authoritarian rule saw a sweeping crackdown on political dissent.
1970-01-01 08:00
Marshall Islands country profile
Provides an overview of the Marshall Islands, including key dates about this Pacific island nation.
1970-01-01 08:00
Liverpool ready to make move for Levi Colwill
Liverpool are ready to make an offer for Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, who has two years left to run on his contract.
1970-01-01 08:00
Bayern Munich prepare record bid for Harry Kane
Bayern Munich are readying a bid worth more than €80m for Harry Kane, while Tottenham Hotspur hope he can be persuaded to stay in the long-term by new head coach Ange Postecoglou.
1970-01-01 08:00
Biden Preps for Victory Lap at NATO With Eye on Voters at Home
President Joe Biden will cast the NATO summit as a successful result of his global engagement, arguing in
1970-01-01 08:00
NATO Latest: Zelenskiy to ‘Fight‘ for More Security Guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he plans to “fight” for more security guarantees from allies as Group of
1970-01-01 08:00
North Korea is ramping up its intercontinental ballistic missile program. Here's what you need to know
North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile on Wednesday, just days after Pyongyang threatened to shoot down US military reconnaissance planes flying over nearby waters.
1970-01-01 08:00
'My house has been an island': Northeastern communities face a long road to recovery after devastating floods put neighborhoods under water
Crews across the Northeast are surveying the destruction and beginning clean-up efforts as sunshine briefly returns after devastating floods put towns under water, damaging homes and washing out roads.
1970-01-01 08:00