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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?

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A runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing – whatever your hay fever symptoms, it’s no surprise if you’ve had a flare-up recently. During spring, both tree and grass pollen is released into the air. If you’re allergic to the proteins they contain, your nose, eyes, throat and sinuses can become swollen, irritated and inflamed. “Many people are suffering from hay fever just now because the pollen count is high, thanks in part to climate change,” says Dr Nisa Aslam, GP from Typharm’s Skin Life Sciences Foundation. “Plus the pollen season is getting longer.” The immune function plays an important role in an allergic reactions, she explains. “People who suffer from hay fever often have a family history of not just hay fever, but also skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, which can often be borne out of problems with the immune system.” The weather can also be a contributing factor in how badly you’re affected. “Some hay fever sufferers may be experiencing a sudden spike in their symptoms a bit earlier than usual, this may be due to the recent prolonged wet and windy weather,” says Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist at Boots. “On a daily basis, rainfall tends to decrease pollen, but over a period of months, intermittent wet days tend to produce a more severe hay fever season overall.” Conditions could be about to get even worse. A recent study by the University of Worcester, published in the Science of The Total Environment journal, warned that it could be one of the worst seasons for birch pollen on record. The severity is due to two things. “Firstly, higher than average temperatures last June, when the pollen is produced, allowed greater potential for high pollen levels,” says Dr Beverley Adams-Groom, senior pollen forecaster at the university. “Secondly, birch trees have a biennial pattern of pollen production, one mild year and one severe year, and this year was already expected to be a high year.” So what can you do if your hay fever is much worse than usual at the moment? The first step is to avoid exposure to the pollen that affects you the most. “Allergens responsible for hay fever include grass pollens and tree pollens [spring and summer], weed pollens and fungal mould spores,” says Dr Aslam. “Watch the daily pollen forecasts. Don’t go outside when the pollen count is high and keep all windows shut.” Preventive medicines can help to reduce symptoms if you know in advance when you’re going to be exposed to pollen. “This can be a steroid nasal spray one to two weeks before symptoms start,” says Dr Aslam. Alternatively, natural nasal sprays “can help to prevent the symptoms of hayfever and other types of allergic rhinitis by forming a protective film in our inner nose, stopping allergens that we breathe in from trying to enter our respiratory system”, she says. Similarly, ointments like Vaseline can act as a pollen trap. “Apply a barrier balm of petroleum jelly around your nose to trap the pollen and help relieve dry and uncomfortable skin from repetitive nose blowing,” Ms Nevinson says. “Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off and wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.” Read More Seasonal allergies tips and tricks as pollen count rises What is the link between pollen and eye infections? Hay fever may be mistaken for Covid, warns expert Why do heatwaves in the UK feel hotter than abroad? The startling and grim discoveries unearthed by the climate crisis Earth’s CO2 hits highest recorded level in human history

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Ever find yourself awake, staring into space at four in the morning? Is it just a bad habit, or is there something more sinister going on? And why does it always seem to happen at 4am? “We start to experience less deep sleep after around four to five hours,” says Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity, who have partnered with Simba mattresses. And once we’re in that lighter sleep faze, we wake much more easily. If you generally fall asleep around 11pm – which is a very common bedtime, 4am wake-ups are more likely. And there are many factors leading to these inconvenient stirrings. Hormones “Sleep is guided by our internal clock or circadian rhythm. One of the most significant and well-known circadian rhythms is the sleep-wake cycle,” Artis continues. “Sleep is regulated by the levels of two hormones: melatonin and cortisol, which follow a regular 24-hour pattern. Melatonin assists you in dozing off, while cortisol helps get you up, and keeps you awake,” she explains. Keeping an eye on your hormones is important in preventing those late-night wake-ups. “Engage in calming activities before bedtime, such as reading, listening to soothing music, or practising relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation,” says Dr Mariyam H. Malik, GP at Pall Mall Medical. Equally, pop your phone down for a bit. “Blue light from electronic devices can suppress melatonin production. Try to avoid screens for at least two hours before bedtime, or use blue light filters. It is best to charge them in a separate room overnight,” Malik adds. Diet Caffeine, heavy meals, alcohol, sugar, and a lack of magnesium or B vitamins could lead you to have a more disturbed night’s sleep, according to Malik. Sugar and carbohydrates may have a particular impact. “A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can cause blood sugar fluctuations, leading to wakefulness during the night,” she says. “It’s unlikely you’ll feel hungry in the middle of the night if your blood sugar dips,” notes Artis, “but to reduce ungodly hour awakenings, trial alternatives for your last meal or snack of the evening. Instead of carb or sweet-based snacks, opt for protein-packed and magnesium-rich foods, like hard boiled eggs, cottage cheese, pumpkin seeds, spinach, dark chocolate, cashews, chicken thighs or turkey.” Protein can take the edge off your night-time hunger, she says, while magnesium is known to support sleep. Needing a wee Do you wake up needing to wee at the same time every night? “Try not to drink excessive amounts of fluids before bedtime,” advises Malik. “It’s important to stay hydrated, but try not to drink anything for around two hours before your usual bedtime. Go to the toilet before you go to bed to empty your bladder. ” Age and life stage “Sleep tends to become more disrupted as people get older,” Malik explains. “Sleep patterns change with age, and various factors can contribute to sleep disturbances in older adults. Some common reasons for sleep disruption in the elderly include changes in your circadian rhythm, decreased melatonin production, medical conditions or medications, and potential sleep disorders.” It can also affect women during the perimenopause. “The reproductive hormones – oestrogen and progesterone – are entwined with the sleep and relaxation hormones, melatonin and serotonin,” says Artis. “When oestrogen begins to fall before and during menopause, it can create a disturbance in the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, meaning it can’t properly balance out cortisol. When this happens, the ability to fall and stay asleep is affected.” Recurring hot flushes, night sweats, dry skin, and low libido can signal waning oestrogen. Artis advises incorporating foods with high levels of phytoestrogens into your diet throughout the day to help with this. “Phytoestrogens imitate the natural estrogens found in your body. As a consequence, they can bind to your body’s oestrogen receptors and produce similar effects.” Try lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, tofu, edamame, spinach, cauliflower and broccoli. Worrying Stress is not good for sleep. One study by Bupa even found that 32 million Brits wake up worrying about their health at precisely 4:05 am. The report, which surveyed 4,000 British adults, revealed that more than three-fifths of us wake up in the middle of the night. If you are finding yourself awake at all hours worrying, or waking up with stressful dreams, there are a few things that may help. “Keep a journal by your bedside and write down your worries before going to bed. This practice can help get your concerns out of your mind and onto paper, making it easier to let go of them temporarily,” says Malik. You may also want to “engage in mindfulness or meditation exercises before bedtime. Mindfulness can help you focus on the present moment, reducing anxiety about the past or the future.” Read More Men have a problem – and it won’t be solved by either Andrew Tate or Caitlin Moran Elon Musk reacts to ex-wife Talulah Riley’s engagement to Thomas Brodie-Sangster Thomas Brodie-Sangster references Love Actually in sweet engagement announcement with Talulah Riley Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

The Women's World Cup is well underway as England has made it to the semi-finals where they are up against tournament hosts Australia to secure a spot in the final. Meanwhile, Spain plays Sweden on August 15th in the other semi-final and so if England makes it, they will face either one of those European teams. As the Women's World Cup is being held in Australia and New Zealand, footy fans in the UK have to watch the action unfold in the morning if they want to see it live due to the time difference. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Therefore, having a traditional beer or other alcoholic beverage in the pub this early is off the cards - however, there are other alcohol-free alternatives to be enjoyed from home or at work or wherever you're watching the game. Here is a breakdown of what these are: Coffee Coffee is what most people tend to reach for as their first beverage of the day, so many wouldn't need to change their routine in this instance. If you're looking for that energy boost to concentrate on the morning games, then you can't go wrong with a cup of Joe. Red Bull Energy drinks like Red Bull provide a fruity taste but also provide the caffeine boost when needed to watch a morning game - plus they come in a variety of flavours such as the original, tropical fruits, watermelon, coconut and berry, apricot-strawberry, juneberry, and cactus fruit. But if you're wearing an England shirt or supporting the Lionesses in general, then drinking the watermelon red can and the coconut and berry white can coordinate with the team's kit colours. Alcohol-free beer For those who want to have a taste of beer but do not want to feel the effects of having one, then alcohol-free beer is the way to go. Nowadays, most beer brands have an alcohol-free alternative on offer such as Heineken, Birra Moretti, Beck's Blue, Peroni, San Miguel, Corona, Stella Artois and Carlsberg - there are plenty of options to choose from. But it's not just beer that you can get alcohol-free, if you want a gin and tonic then Gordon's also has a booze-free option too. Juice or Mocktail For something refreshing in the morning, fruit juice is a shout - but to make things fancier for watching the footy, you could always make a mocktail. Some recipe examples include: a Virgin Mojito, Virgin piña colada and fruit punch. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.