A total of 92% of women surveyed believe screening should be routinely offered to women in the later stages of pregnancy.
The same percentage would also like information on the infection to be given to all pregnant women.
While 95% believe antibiotics should be offered in labour to women with Group B Strep.
The poll was conducted by ComRes on behalf of the charity
Group B Strep Support, which works to try and prevent the infection in newborn babies.
Jane Plumb, charity chief executive, said: ‘It is the UK’s most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborn babies.
‘Every year, around 340 babies develop GBS infection within seven days of birth. Of those, one in ten will die while around one in five will be permanently disabled.
‘This is needless, because with proper information, testing and treatment - as is routine in the US, Canada, Australia and many European countries - most of these tragic cases could be avoided.
‘The government should introduce a national screening programme for Group B Strep at the earliest opportunity.’
The opinion poll surveyed 100 women aged between 20-35 in October and November this year (2011).
Dr Chris Steele MBE, best known for his slot on ITV’s television show
This Morning, also called on the government to act.
‘At present there is no national testing for GBS in pregnancy,’ he said.
‘The tests that are done are not designed to detect GBS and give a high level of falsely negative results, meaning women think they are free from GBS when they are not.
‘Tests are available for GBS which pose no risk to mother or baby, but they are currently only available privately. They should be offered on the NHS.
‘The government should act now to ensure women get the very best advice and support during their pregnancy.
‘This should include information on the serious nature of Group B Strep infection, the offer of testing, followed by appropriate antibiotics during labour to protect the baby from infection.’
