EMMA - USA
Born April 13, 2009

Early-onset

Mother's GBS Status: Tested positive
Gestational Age: 40 weeks 
Age Harmed: At birth

​In 2009 I was diagnosed with GBS with my oldest daughter. My labor and delivery process occurred very quickly within a 4 hour time frame and I missed receiving the necessary dose of antibiotics needed to protect my baby. 

When Emma was born she was dark purple and lifeless; she wasn’t breathing and she did not have a heartbeat. Minutes were passing. I never got to experience my baby take her first breath or instantly embrace her in my arms and breathe her in as mothers long to do when they carry a life for nine months. 

Emma was rushed to the NICU, where stayed for 4 weeks. She had contracted spinal meningitis through the GBS. I was told because of the lack of oxygen, high fever, and swelling of the brain that she would most likely suffer brain damage and long term effects. 

Today Emma is nine years old and is a living and breathing miracle. She is a GBS survivor. 

Even after being diagnosed with GBS I was unaware of its life threatening risks it could have on my child. Today I am pregnant with my fourth child. Since my experience with Emma and GBS I have had planned inductions with my last two pregnancies and I plan to do the same with this one to ensure I receive the necessary dose of antibiotics to protect my children. 

-Koryn Davidson
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.