WHAT GBS SIGNS DO BABIES SHOW?
Not all babies exposed to group B strep become infected, but, for those who do, the results can be devastating. Even babies born to a parent who tests negative can become infected by group B strep. While most cases of early-onset can be prevented through IV antibiotic intervention during labor and delivery, there are no prevention protocols in place for prenatal-onset or late-onset. That's why knowing and recognizing the signs of invasive GBS disease (iGBS) is so important - they're often your first defense. GBS is a fast-acting type of bacteria, so if you notice any of the signs of infection in your baby, contact your health care provider immediately!
…during pregnancy?
Contact your care provider immediately if you experience either:
- Decreased or no fetal movement after your 20th week (Note: While the type of fetal movements may change in the third trimester, there is no evidence to support that the number of fetal movements decrease because there is less room for your baby to move.)
- Frenzied fetal movement
- You have any unexplained fever
…once born?
Call your baby’s care provider immediately or take your baby to the emergency room if you notice any of these signs or changes:
If you would like to share an audio/video clip or an image of your baby displaying one or more signs of a GBS infection, please contact us at [email protected].
Temperature
A common sign of most infections is a change in body temperature. (Note: hands and feet may still feel cold even with a fever.) GBS can cause high and low temperatures - seek medical advice you notice these changes to your baby's body temperature:
- Fever
- Low temperature
- Unstable temperature
Sounds
A group B strep infection can cause your baby to make different sounds. Grunting is a common sign of meningitis in babies. Listen to your baby and seek medical care if you notice something wrong!
- Constant grunting or moaning as if constipated or in distress
- High-pitched cry, shrill moaning, whimpering
- Inconsolable crying
Skin Appearance
Top: Premature but otherwise healthy Jasmine
Below: Jasmine with cardiovascular shock-induced pallor due to late-onset GBS disease
|
The hue or color of your baby's skin may noticeably change:
|
Behavior
GBS can infect a baby's bones and joints. Molly survived two GBS infections in the same bone.
|
Your baby's behavior can indicate a GBS infection. Take note of changes in the way your baby acts, including their movements. Please, note that GBS can also infect bones and joints. You may notice the following:
|
How to Recognize the Signs
|
Special thanks to Dr. Carol J. Baker, renowned pediatrician and GBS expert,
for providing parents with crucial information to help recognize the signs of GBS disease in their babies! Please view her presentation – Signs of GBS Disease: Eyes and Ears |
The Progression of Infection: Cheyenne's Story
GBS is a very fast-acting type of bacteria that can make a baby critically ill often within just a few hours. Special thanks to Cheyenne's mother for sharing the following progression photos showing how rapidly GBS can become life-threatening:
This was Monday when we went for her 2 week check up and everything checked out great.
|
This was Tuesday and she had some diarrhea but otherwise was just sleepy. Now looking back at these pictures there was a huge difference from Monday to Tuesday in her head and the swelling. I wish I would have caught it sooner and maybe she wouldn't have had the strokes she did.
|
This was Wednesday morning June 11 the day my life changed. This was around 11am.
|
This picture was Wednesday afternoon around 6pm after we got to the NICU. They tried bipap first but had to intubate later that night.
|
This was Wednesday night June 11 around midnight. Her heart rate wouldn't come down and the swelling in her head made her so startled she would scream and her heart rate would go up more so they sedated her and intubated her.
|
Downloadable Resources
|
Download our convenient three-to-a-page handout listing Signs of GBS Infection in Babies and post visibly for quick reference for everyone who takes care of your baby.
|
Our Signs of GBS Infection in Babies are also available in a category format – Sounds, Breathing, Appearance of Skin, Eating and Sleeping Habits, Behavior, and Body Temperature.
|
For more resources check out our materials available for download or our online store!