Approximately 1 in 4 pregnant women carry GBS, the leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborns according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). GBS can also infect babies during pregnancy and the first few months of life.
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 die.
Fortunately there are many ways to help protect babies from Group B Strep. This website contains resources for you to learn more about GBS and help prevent its devastating effects.
JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST GBS!Make a donation Tell your story Distribute complimentary GBS awareness materials Assist us in translating GBS awareness materials Recommend a GBS-related article or web site to us |
Recent Events
Dr. Jamie McGregor and GBS mom, Gaby Foster, give out GBS info at the 2013 CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting held February 27-March 2 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona.
The 1st Annual Angel Ride fundraiser in memory of Emma Faye Wallgren held March 22-24 in Alice, Texas was a huge success! Thank you to Jennifer Wallgren for committing $1000 from this event to help GBSI exhibit at the upcoming ACNM conference. Jennifer’s daughter, Emma Faye, passed away at 32 days of age due to late-onset GBS disease.
GBS mom, Gaby Foster, hosted a GBS awareness ribbon-making party with her family and friends in memory of her son, Jalen, and to provide awareness ribbons for GBSI to distribute at exhibits and send out upon request. Click below to view the video of the GBS Awareness Ribbon Party and here for instructions to make your own GBS awareness ribbons.
Jalen’s Gift Foundation GBS Awareness Ribbon Party
Upcoming Events 2013
May
May 18 ~ GBS moms, Bevin and Kylie, will be exhibiting for GBSI at the Babypalooza Baby and Maternity Expo at the Alabama Activity Center in Montgomery, Alabama from 10 AM to 3 PM as well as at other Babypalooza events across the State of Alabama. They will be telling our babies’ stories, handing out awareness materials, and giving women information to help with a healthy, GBS infection-free delivery. Bevin’s daughter, Leah, was likely infected with GBS before labor and delivery even began. Kylie’s son, Asher, became infected with GBS even though she had tested negative. GBS caused both of their babies to pass away within a few short days of being born.
May/June
May 30-June 1 ~ GBS moms, Kylie, Jacci, and Tiffany, along with Dr. James A. McGregor will be sharing information at the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) 58th Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Nashville, TN. Dr. McGregor will also be presenting his poster on infection and inflammation-caused preterm birth. However, we need your help!
Join our fundraiser, “Give up Something Small to be a Part of Something BIG!”
July
July is International Group B Strep Awareness Month, sponsored on the U.S. National Health Observance Calendar by GBSI.
July 7 ~ The 2nd Annual Emma Faye Wallgren GBS Walk-a-thon will be held in Alice, Texas! View their Facebook page for updates as they become available.
Check back for more special events and fundraisers. Find out how you can help create awareness in your community!
August
August 17 ~ GBS moms, Bevin and Kylie, will be exhibiting for GBSI at the Babypalooza Baby and Maternity Expo at the BJCC East Exhibit Hall in Birmingham, Alabama from 10 AM to 4 PM as well as at other Babypalooza events across the State of Alabama. They will be telling our babies’ stories, handing out awareness materials, and giving women information to help with a healthy, GBS infection-free delivery.
October
October is Prenatal-onset GBS Disease Recognition Month, sponsored by GBSI to bring attention to the fact that GBS can also cause infection in babies before birth.
Find out how to help prevent prenatal-onset GBS disease!
December
December 31 ~ This is the closing deadline for the UK e-petition asking for routine GBS testing for all pregnant women in the UK. Click here to sign if you are a UK resident or British national!