Group B Strep Disease in Babies
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year nearly 20 million pregnant women carry group B strep (GBS). Although GBS is harmless for most pregnant individuals, it can be extremely serious when it passes to babies during pregnancy, childbirth or in the early weeks of life.
Not all babies exposed to GBS become infected, but for those who do, the results can be devastating. GBS can cause babies to be miscarried, stillborn, born prematurely, become very sick, have lifelong handicaps, or die. Even babies born to someone who tests negative can become infected by group B strep. View the attached PDF for more information on GBS and contact your provider immediately if your baby is exhibiting signs of a GBS infection.
