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

Prenatal Infection Prevention Month, observed in February, raises awareness about infections that can affect pregnancy and newborn health.

Did you know that group B strep can infect babies before birth? Group B strep can infect unborn babies during pregnancy even before the mother’s water breaks or labor begins. GBS infection during this time period is now known as prenatal-onset GBS disease, which includes miscarriages and stillbirths.
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Check out our prenatal infection prevention toolkit and talk to your healthcare provider about how to help protect your baby from infection before birth!

Story Spotlight

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Hannah | Prenatal-onset​
"My husband and I lost our daughter Hannah Noelle on February 3, 2003. Hannah was born still due to a rapid acute infection of Group B Strep Sepsis.

I was tested at 37 weeks gestation for GBS and the test came back positive. The doctor said, 'Don't worry, all you need is antibiotics during delivery, everything will be fine.' I was 41 weeks pregnant when the doctor decided to do an internal exam and then proceeded to strip my membranes without my permission."

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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February is International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month! ​​ Check out our toolkit and talk to your healthcare provider about risks and prevention measures specific to your environment and lifestyle.

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, February 2026

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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!