Birth Injury Caused by Group B Strep

All medical professionals should understand the importance of guarding against infection in their patients. This is especially crucial in newborns. The newborn immune system has not yet developed much, leaving them almost completely defenseless against infections that a normal adult immune system would be much more prepared to fight. For this reason, it is imperative that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers follow all steps regarding screening, treatment, sterilization, and sanitary practices during prenatal care and delivery.

Understanding Group B Strep

One of the biggest dangers for newborns is a Group B Streptococcal (GBS) infection. About ¼ of American women carry this disease, and it is recommended that screening take place in the 35th – 37th week of pregnancy. If a mother tests positive, or if she has high-risk symptoms, doctors can use intravenous antibiotics in both mother and baby that greatly reduce the risk of infection. This is extremely important, as the results of GBS infections can be very serious for newborns, and include:

• Malfunctioning kidney or liver
• Difficulty breathing
• Sepsis
• Meningitis

Any one of these conditions could be life-threatening for a newborn baby. If your baby suffered a strep infection, those who cared for you may have caused it through negligent actions. It is important to note that a GBS infection could have a late-onset up to several months after birth, though caused by improper care at or before birth.

Contact Us

You and your family should not have to suffer unaided if your baby suffered GBS due to irresponsible medical care. Call the Chicago birth injury attorneys of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C., at 312-466-8200 to speak with someone about your situation.