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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Highlight

Invasive procedures, such as membrane stripping or “sweeping,” may push GBS closer to your baby where GBS is able to cross intact membranes. GBSI advocates informed patient consent prior to membrane stripping regardless of GBS status as GBS status can change and other microorganisms can also cross intact membranes and harm babies before birth.

Story Spotlight

Hadlee Rae | Early-onset​
"I was tested at 36 weeks and was negative. I had my membranes stripped at 38 weeks and 5 days but no signs of labor, and induced at 39 weeks. I also had my water artificially broken. Neither my membranes should have been swept nor my water broken. But my doctor never educated me on GBS at the time of the test, and never discussed it again due to being negative."

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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July 8-14 is Group B Strep Awareness Week! ​​ Check out our toolkit and plan ahead on how to promote GBS awareness in July.

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, April 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!