Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that is (according to the CDC) the number one killer of newborns and infants in the United States. 8,000 newborns in the U.S. will contract serious GBS diseases each year. Up to 800 of these babies will die from it, and up to 20% of the babies who DO survive GBS related meningitis are faced with long term developmental problems, blindness, deafness, or mental retardation. Most transmission of GBS to newborns occur in the delivery room when a child is born. It is transferred from the mother to child in the birth canal. A child can get sick right away (early onset) or can contract symptoms up to 3 months later (late onset).

Sadly, not all doctors even test for this common bacteria which is killing our babies. The test is around $25, and is covered by most insurance plans.

How do I get tested?

At 35-37 weeks of pregnancy, during your regular OB visit, ask your doctor to test for GBS. It is a simple, painless swab test which is taken from your vagina and rectum. The results take 2-3 days. The FDA is currently testing a "quick result test" which can give GBS test results in minutes instead of days!

?PLEASE...IF YOU ARE PREGNANT....INSIST YOUR DOCTOR TEST YOU!!!!!

If I am GBS positive, how do I protect my baby?

The spread of Group B Strep can usually be prevented by receiving two doses of common antibiotics via IV during labor. They should be given at least four hours before you deliver your baby. Evidence shows administering antibiotics early in labor gives the best results. Please make sure you receive TWO DOSES!!!!! Also....please make sure your loved ones know that you are GBS positive, so that in the event that you are unable to let the doctors know at delivery, your loved one will be able to let them know so that you can get the antibiotics needed. Make sure your birthing partner knows that you need 2-3 doses, and how important this is!!!! Don't leave anything to chance!!!!!

Another way that GBS can be transferred to the baby is by stripping of the membranes if you are GBS+. Please ask your doctor if you are GBS+ NOT to do internal exams. If the membrane is punctured, it can allow the bacteria to transfer to the baby, which until you receive the IV antibiotics, is UNPROTECTED!!! This is a fairly common practice which is very dangerous if you are GBS+. MAKE YOUR WISHES KNOWN!!!!

What can GBS do?

GBS can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature labor. After birth, GBS can cause meningitis, blood infections or pneumonia. These conditions can cause long term effects in the child, such as blindness, deafness, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, or death.

What is Late Onset GBS?

Late onset GBS is when the child is born seemingly healthy, and within several days to up to 3 months (and there have been cases of up to 6 months) they come down with illnesses related to GBS. Most late onset GBS causes meningitis. Late onset GBS is very dangerous because it is often not known about or expected. Signs to watch for are grunting, pale skin tone or mottled skin, lethargy, lack of interest in eating or vomiting. A fever may also accompany the infection.

Please take EVERY STEP POSSIBLE to make sure this doesn't happen to your baby, or please share this site with your friends, and everyone in your address book so that it doesn't happen to anyone you know and love!!!!

The information provided on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge. Most medical information comes directly from the United States Center for Disease Control. Please take this information as an empowerment. Discuss these items directly with your doctor, and do know that the risk is real.