5 Common Signs of Group B Strep

If you are pregnant, you’re probably wondering about the many different things that could cause problems for your baby. One disease that could harm your child is Group B Strep, or GBS. GBS is a bacterial infection that can cause severe health problems for newborns. Adults with healthy immune systems can usually keep this bacterium at bay, but infants have not had the chance to develop immunological defenses, so exposure to GBS can cause serious issues. Exposure to GBS can happen during the birth if the mother is not properly screened and treated for GBS, or if proper sanitation procedures are not followed.

Symptoms of GBS

It is the responsibility of your doctor to make sure that you are screened for GBS and that all reasonable precautions are taken to protect your baby from this disease. However, if they fail in this duty to you, your infant could suffer a devastating infection. If your baby is exhibiting the following symptoms, you might need to be concerned about GBS:

• Unusual irritability
• Lack of desire to eat
• Difficulty breathing
• Atypical lack of energy
• High or low body temperature

While these signs could point to many different problems, it is important that your baby visits the doctor if he or she is experiencing these problems. GBS is a very serious infection for newborns, and shortly after developing these symptoms, he or she will likely have to be admitted to the hospital to receive antibiotics.

For More Information

It can be scary and stressful for parents to deal with such a major incident in the life of their newborn baby. Even if your child recovers completely, you may be left with high medical costs. If your child’s illness was caused by doctor negligence, contact a Philadelphia birth injury attorney of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. Our dedicated lawyers are ready to fight for justice in for you and your baby. Call us at 215-238-1130 today.