|
CILOU - BELGIUM
Born December 8, 2021 Late-onset Mother's GBS Status: Tested negative Gestational Age: 39 weeks Age harmed: 2 weeks |
On the 23rd of December, at 2 weeks old, she had a minor temperature raise in the morning (37,8 C). No weird or sick behavior and her temperature got normal again during the day. After her bottle of 21h (which she drank completely), she started crying and was clearly in discomfort. Her temperature was normal, so we thought she had cramps. By 23h she started moaning. At first, we had absolutely no idea what to do as newborn parents. When we measured her temperature again and she suddenly had a high fever (39,8 C) we did not hesitate a second and drove to the E.R.
Due to the high fever, they suspected meningitis and did a lumbar puncture. While waiting for the results she only got sicker and sicker, having a pale color, refusing to drink. I'll never forget the way she looked at the moment. In no way did I recognize my little baby from 12h earlier. In the morning we received the news that she indeed had meningitis. She was immediately admitted to the PICU. Later that afternoon her condition got worse. Her body was exhausted; she went into cardiac arrest. Besides the meningitis she also had sepsis. All of this was caused by GBS: a bacteria to which I had tested negative at 36 weeks pregnant. The next few days were really scary. It was unsure if she would make it through the night. Luckily she recovered very well. It seems there are no injuries caused by the meningitis. Today she's a very happy 1 year old. We can tell she's so thankful and happy to be alive.
- Gwen
Gwen spreads GBS awareness by telling the story to people + through Instagram posts
Due to the high fever, they suspected meningitis and did a lumbar puncture. While waiting for the results she only got sicker and sicker, having a pale color, refusing to drink. I'll never forget the way she looked at the moment. In no way did I recognize my little baby from 12h earlier. In the morning we received the news that she indeed had meningitis. She was immediately admitted to the PICU. Later that afternoon her condition got worse. Her body was exhausted; she went into cardiac arrest. Besides the meningitis she also had sepsis. All of this was caused by GBS: a bacteria to which I had tested negative at 36 weeks pregnant. The next few days were really scary. It was unsure if she would make it through the night. Luckily she recovered very well. It seems there are no injuries caused by the meningitis. Today she's a very happy 1 year old. We can tell she's so thankful and happy to be alive.
- Gwen
Gwen spreads GBS awareness by telling the story to people + through Instagram posts
To learn more about Perinatal & GBS Misconceptions, click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of Preterm Labor, click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of GBS Infection, click HERE.
To learn more about Why Membranes Should NOT Be Stripped, click HERE.
To learn more about How to Help Protect Your Baby from Group B Strep (GBS), click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of Preterm Labor, click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of GBS Infection, click HERE.
To learn more about Why Membranes Should NOT Be Stripped, click HERE.
To learn more about How to Help Protect Your Baby from Group B Strep (GBS), click HERE.