According to the World Health Organization (WHO),  each year nearly 20 million pregnant women carry group B strep (GBS). Although GBS is harmless for most pregnant individuals, it can be extremely serious when it passes to babies during pregnancy, childbirth or in the first 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. Even babies born to someone who tests negative can become infected by group B strep.

Fortunately there are many ways to help protect babies from group B strep. The website contains resources for you learn more about GBS and help prevent its devastating effects. 

Check out our resources to help you get started!
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Special thanks to Aayan's mother for sharing her son's voice making the grunting sounds which are a common, yet often unrecognized, sign of GBS meningitis
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Website Translation | en français (in French)​

Highlight

Recognizing the signs of Group B Strep (GBS) disease in babies is crucial, as early detection and treatment can save lives. Signs may vary but often include difficulty feeding, unusual fussiness or irritability, lethargy, breathing difficulties, fever, or a drop in body temperature. In some cases, babies may also show signs of poor muscle tone, bluish skin, or seizures.

​Parents and caregivers should seek immediate medical attention if they notice any concerning changes in their baby.

Story Spotlight

Aspen | Late-onset​
"She got so terribly sick so fast. The night leading up to me taking her into the doctor she was kind of fussy and didn't seem as interested in nursing. She would make the GBS "grunting" noise that I was not aware of. Please be aware that the noise is a sign to take your infant in immediately! She had a fever by the time I called the doctor and they told me to come into the office. After checking her out they sent me to the Pediatric hospital. From there she went downhill very quickly...while getting a spinal tap she quit breathing and eventually had to be hooked up to a vent.​

What We Do

  • Provide complimentary GBS awareness info and materials
  • Exhibit and present at conferences worldwide​​.
  • Advocate to close the gaps in GBS care for ALL babies​

What You Should Know

Each of the three distinct time periods when GBS can infect babies has its own prevention challenges and strategies.

How You Can Help 

There are many ways to help from sharing a brochure with a pregnant friend to organizing a trail ride fundraiser to starting an awareness campaign with your department of health!

The WAVES Study
Participate in the WAVES Study to help determine the gaps in GBS care and communication. If you’ve had a baby (with or without group B strep disease) conceived on or after January 1, 2003, we want to hear from you! Help prevent future babies from becoming infected!

Remember to share with friends and family so we can all wave goodbye to group B strep disease in babies!

GBS Research Connect

​Join our collaborative, GBS Research Connect, to connect with fellow researchers, healthcare professionals, and professional health advocates/academics involved in furthering group B strep research and disease prevention!

Membership is free and includes access to events, the ability to join forums, collaborate, upload your research, explore blogs, and more!

Projects, Campaigns, and News Worldwide

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Getting involved is easy! In just a few easy steps, you can help spread GBS awareness in your community! Too often we hear from parents that they wish they had known about GBS sooner. You can help! Shop free awareness materials on our website or download materials!
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​November is Prematurity Awareness Month! Premature babies miss out on the important growth and development that happens in the final weeks of pregnancy.

Quick Links
Recently published articles: Learn more about our Campaigns and Projects!

Our past events and GBS news can be viewed in our Event & News Archive.
Please see all we’ve accomplished with your support!

GBSI's Newsletter: The Globe, December 2025

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​Donations
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​As a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, we rely on your donations to enable us to promote awareness and prevention of group B strep disease in babies worldwide!

Please help save babies and their families from the devastation of GBS disease!