Protecting Newborns Through Knowledge, Screening, and Prevention
Each July, International Group B Strep Awareness Month shines a vital spotlight on a silent but serious threat: Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Although many people have never heard of it, this common type of bacteria can have devastating effects on newborns if not detected and managed properly.
What is Group B Strep?
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a naturally occurring bacterium found in the lower gastrointestinal and genital tracts of about 1 in 4 pregnant women. While it’s usually harmless in healthy adults, it can cause life-threatening infections in newborns—especially if transmitted during childbirth.
Why GBS Awareness Matters
- GBS is the leading cause of life-threatening infections in newborns, including:
- Sepsis
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
- It can also cause stillbirth, preterm labor, and maternal infections.
- Most cases are preventable with proper screening, education, and treatment.
Raising awareness saves lives—because when families and providers know what to look for, they can take action.
How GBS Is Detected
Around 35–37 weeks of pregnancy, women are routinely screened for GBS via a simple vaginal and rectal swab. If the test is positive:
