International Group B Strep Throat Awareness Month

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacteria that’s naturally found in the digestive and lower reproductive tracts of both men and women. Approximately 1 in 4 pregnant women carry GBS, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that GBS is the leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborns.

Not all babies exposed to GBS become infected. But, for those who do, the results can be devastating. GBS can cause babies to be miscarried, stillborn, born prematurely, become very sick, have lifelong handicaps, or even die.

Fortunately, there are many ways to protect your baby from GBS, as well as prevent its devastating effects on those infected with the disease. The mission of International Group B Strep Throat Awareness Month is to raise awareness/education around both prevention and treatment in the hopes of decreasing the number of babies suffering from GBS.