Symptoms of Group B Strep Infections in Newborns
Most people associate the strep (streptococcus) bacteria with a sore throat. However, this bacterium can infect multiple areas of the body. One type of strep, known as group B streptococcus or GBS, can inhabit females’ vagina and rectum. GBS can actually be found in about 25% of women, but it normally does not cause any harm. On the other hand, it can cause serious damage to a baby who is born to an infected mother.
There are several things that doctors can do to help prevent the spread of GBS from a mother to her child during delivery. However, if a doctor fails to diagnose or treat this infection, it can result in severe problems for your precious son or daughter. If your child suffered a GBS infection due to the negligence of a doctor or nurse, contact a tenacious New Jersey birth injury attorney from Levinson Axelrod, P.A., at 800-346-5529.
Symptoms of Newborn GBS
Newborn GBS is divided into early onset and late onset. Late onset GBS is rarer, and typically manifests in the first few weeks or months of your newborn’s life in the form of meningitis. Early onset GBS symptoms are less specific and include:
- Kidney issues
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Respiratory problems
- Heart issues
- Unstable blood pressure
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis
- Meningitis
Additionally, you may suffer a tragic loss in the form of stillbirth if the GBS bacteria infected the child when he or she was still in the womb.
Contact Us
Group B strep can be deadly, so it is important for your doctor to help you avoid transmitting this bacterium to your baby. If a doctor has failed in this duty to you, however, you can fight back. Contact an experienced New Jersey birth injury lawyer from Levinson Axelrod, P.A., at 800-346-5529 today to discuss your case.

