Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterial infection that can cause serious complications during pregnancy and childbirth if not properly identified and treated. While many women carry GBS without symptoms, failure to detect or manage the infection can lead to severe newborn health issues, including brain injury or cerebral palsy.Â
Aldous Law believes in helping families move forwards, and that starts with understanding how GBS is tested for, what happens if it is missed, and what to do when medical negligence may be involved. Our firm is dedicated to helping parents protect their child’s health and their legal rights.
What Is Group B Streptococcus?
Group B Streptococcus is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines, urinary tract, and reproductive tract. Most adults who carry GBS experience no symptoms, but during childbirth, the bacteria can be passed to the baby and result in a birth injury. In newborns, GBS can cause life-threatening infections that require immediate medical attention.
How Common Is GBS in Pregnancy?
GBS is relatively common, affecting roughly one in four pregnant women in the United States. Because carriers often have no symptoms, testing is the only reliable way to detect the infection before delivery. When healthcare providers follow proper testing and treatment guidelines, the risk of complications is greatly reduced.
How Group B Strep Is Detected and Prevented During Pregnancy
Ensuring the health and safety of both mother and baby begins with understanding how Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is detected and managed during pregnancy. By following established screening guidelines and preventive measures, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the chance of infection and related complications.
Standard Prenatal Screening for GBS
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all pregnant women be tested for GBS between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. The test involves a simple swab of the vagina and rectum to check for bacterial growth. If the test is positive, it alerts the provider to the need for treatment during labor to prevent transmission to the baby.
Preventive Measures and Treatment Options
When a mother tests positive for GBS, antibiotics are typically given through an IV during labor to prevent the bacteria from reaching the newborn. This method is highly effective at reducing the risk of infection. Doctors and nurses are also responsible for monitoring both mother and baby for any signs of distress or infection during delivery and after birth.
Proper screening and prompt antibiotic treatment are essential steps in protecting newborns. Failure to follow these standards may increase the likelihood of preventable birth injuries.
What Happens If GBS Is Missed or Mismanaged
When GBS is not properly identified or treated, the consequences can be devastating. Because GBS infections are largely preventable with standard screening and care, missed diagnoses often point to lapses in medical attention that could have been avoided.
Consequences of Undetected or Untreated GBS
When GBS is not detected or treated appropriately, it can lead to serious health conditions in newborns, including:
- Sepsis, a dangerous blood infection that can develop rapidly
- Pneumonia, which affects the baby’s lungs and breathing
- Meningitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), which can cause lasting brain damage
- Cerebral palsy or other developmental disabilities
In many cases, these complications are preventable with timely screening and intervention.
Signs of Medical Negligence
Medical negligence may be a factor when healthcare providers fail to order the standard GBS test, misread or lose test results, or neglect to administer antibiotics during labor after a positive result. If your baby developed complications related to GBS, reviewing the medical records can help determine whether proper care was provided.
Legal Options for Families Affected by GBS Birth Injuries in Texas
Families whose children suffer GBS-related birth injuries may have grounds to pursue a medical malpractice claim. A birth injury attorney can help determine whether failure to diagnose, test, or treat GBS caused the child’s condition. Legal claims can provide compensation for medical care, therapy, and long-term support, while also holding negligent providers accountable.
If your child experienced severe complications from an untreated infection, it may help to review similar cases, such as those involving hypoxia or infant brain damage. Each situation is unique, but patterns of negligence can often be identified through expert legal review.
Supporting Families Through Birth Injury Claims Across Texas
At Aldous Law, families are never treated like case files, especially when it comes to the health of an innocent baby. The firm provides compassionate, personalized legal guidance to parents navigating the emotional and financial challenges of a birth injury claim. By working with medical experts and analyzing hospital records, the team builds a clear picture of what happened and why.
Aldous Law’s experience includes cases involving GBS, cerebral palsy, hypoxia, and other serious conditions caused by medical negligence. Our attorneys handle every case with care and determination, helping families find both answers and justice.
Protecting Your Child and Your Rights
A diagnosis linked to Group B Strep can be an overwhelming experience as parents come to terms and must make crucial decisions that will affect the rest of their child’s life. With the right medical and legal support, it is possible to secure resources for your child’s treatment and future care. Acting quickly is essential, as medical evidence and timelines play a crucial role in these cases.
Aldous Law is here to help families who believe medical negligence contributed to their child’s birth injury. For help now, contact us today at (214) 526-5595 for a free, confidential consultation. We will review your case and start work immediately on helping get your child and family the support they need.
