Your doctor may have prepared you for the worst during your pregnancy, including explaining that four percent of newborns in the U.S. are killed as a result of a group B strep infection. But while you may have been warned about the dangers of a group B strep infection in newborns, your doctor may not have mentioned that the key to avoiding this tragedy is early and effective treatment.
Here are just a few ways your doctor may have been able to prevent group B strep infection at birth:
- Risk factors – Group B strep infection is more common for women who experience early membrane rupture, have a fever during labor, suffer pre-term delivery, and women of African American descent.
- Mother testing – Pregnant women should be tested for group B strep in the third trimester by blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or urine. A culture test is necessary for diagnosis, as some mothers may carry the bacteria without experiencing any symptoms.
- Antibiotics – Women who have tested positive for GBS should be given antibiotics prior to or during delivery to prevent transmission of the bacteria to the infant.
- Infant testing – Infants should be tested for infection immediately after birth. If the results are positive, the baby must also be given antibiotics, as well as additional fluids or even ventilation if necessary.
Has Your Family Been Impacted by a Birth Injury?
If your family has been impacted by a birth injury you need to speak with an experienced birth injury attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.