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GBS is a bacteria that can be dangerous for pregnant women and their babies.
About 1 in 4 pregnant women have GBS in their bodies, but they may not know it. That’s because GBS doesn’t always make the mother sick.
If GBS is passed to her newborn during labor and delivery, the baby can become very sick. GBS can cause:
Many women have GBS because it’s a normal part of the body’s bacteria. You don’t get GBS from another person. It may live in the body for years without any signs. That’s why all pregnant women should be tested for GBS between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.
If the test is positive for GBS, the mother should get antibiotics during labor and delivery. The antibiotics are given through an IV. This is a safe and effective way to prevent serious GBS infection in the baby.
Not all babies get sick from GBS. But, because GBS can be life-threatening, every mother should be tested and treated to avoid spreading this bacteria.
Some babies may be more at risk of serious health problems from GBS. This is more likely to happen if:
With proper testing and treatment, GBS can be prevented. But, it’s important to know the signs of GBS infection in a baby. Get treatment right away if you notice any of these signs in your baby:
These symptoms don’t mean a baby has GBS. But, any unusual signs in a baby should be checked by a doctor right away.