Group B Streptococcus (or Group B Strep/GBS) is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the digestive and reproductive tracts of healthy adults. In most cases, GBS causes no symptoms and poses little risk to the mother. However, during pregnancy and childbirth, Group B Strep can lead to serious infections if it is transmitted to the baby.
Healthcare providers routinely screen pregnant women and administer preventive treatment to address GBS issues.
What Is Group B Strep?
Group B Strep is a naturally occurring bacterium that may be present in the vagina or rectum of pregnant women. Many women who carry GBS experience no symptoms and may not realize they have it.
For this reason, medical providers typically recommend GBS screening between 36 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. If a mother tests positive, they may receive intravenous antibiotics during labor to reduce the risk of transmitting the bacteria to the baby during delivery.
How Does Group B Strep Affect a Baby?
A baby can become infected with Group B Strep during labor and delivery if the bacteria passes from the mother to the child.
Newborn GBS infections are often classified as either early-onset or late-onset infections. Early-onset infections typically occur within the first week of life and usually require immediate medical attention.
Group B Strep infections can cause several serious medical conditions, including:
- Sepsis
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Bloodstream infections
- Respiratory distress
Without prompt treatment, these infections can become life-threatening.
Serious Complications Associated With Group B Strep
Although many babies recover when infections are diagnosed and treated quickly, severe GBS infections can cause lasting harm.
Potential birth injuries include:
Brain Injuries
Meningitis caused by Group B Strep can result in inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation may cause permanent neurological damage.
Cerebral Palsy
In some cases, severe infections and resulting oxygen deprivation can contribute to cerebral palsy and other motor impairments.
Hearing or Vision Loss
Serious infections involving the central nervous system may lead to permanent hearing loss, vision problems, or developmental challenges.
Developmental Delays
Children who survive severe GBS infections may experience cognitive, behavioral, or developmental difficulties that require ongoing therapy and support.
Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, some newborns do not survive severe Group B Strep infections despite medical intervention.
Can Group B Strep Injuries Be Prevented?
Many Group B Strep-related injuries are preventable. However, healthcare providers must follow established medical guidelines to protect mothers and babies from such injuries.
This may include:
- Proper prenatal screening
- Accurate interpretation of test results
- Timely administration of antibiotics during labor
- Monitoring for signs of maternal infection
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of newborn infections
Providers may be responsible for medical negligence if they fail to screen for Group B Strep, misinterpret test results, fail to administer antibiotics when indicated, etc.
When Should Families Seek Legal Advice?
Not every Group B Strep infection is the result of medical negligence. However, when GBS develops because a healthcare provider failed to follow accepted protocols, families may have a birth injury claim. A birth injury claim can help families recover compensation for a child’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages associated with the injuries.
If your child suffered complications related to Group B Strep, an experienced birth injury attorney can investigate what happened and determine whether medical malpractice played a role. Contact Hampton & King for a free consultation to learn more.