Understanding Group B Strep
Group B streptococcus is a bacteria that about 25% of women carry without symptoms. While harmless to adults, it can cause life-threatening infections in newborns including sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.
Screening Requirements
Medical guidelines require GBS screening for all pregnant women between 36-37 weeks of pregnancy. Women who test positive or have risk factors must receive IV antibiotics during labor, which dramatically reduces transmission to the baby.
Risk Factors Requiring Treatment
Even without positive screening, antibiotics are indicated when:
- ✓GBS was found in urine during pregnancy
- ✓Previous baby had GBS infection
- ✓Preterm labor (before 37 weeks)
- ✓Prolonged rupture of membranes (over 18 hours)
- ✓Fever during labor
- ✓Unknown GBS status at delivery
Consequences of GBS Infection
Newborns infected with GBS can develop:
- ✓Sepsis (bloodstream infection)
- ✓Pneumonia
- ✓Meningitis
- ✓Brain damage
- ✓Hearing loss
- ✓Vision problems
- ✓Death
Medical Negligence in GBS Cases
Common failures include: not performing GBS screening, not administering antibiotics to positive mothers, not recognizing risk factors requiring treatment, delayed antibiotic administration, and failure to monitor newborns for infection signs.