Understanding Group B Strep and Other Prenatal Infections
February is Prenatal Infection Prevention Month in the United States, dedicated to raising awareness of prenatal infections and the serious harm they can cause to a developing child. One of the most common types of prenatal infection is Group B Strep infection.
Group B strep is a type of bacteria carried by up to 25 percent of pregnant women in the U.S. Not all babies exposed to this bacterium suffer health problems, but the infection can cause serious problems if it does take hold. Group B strep infections may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious and lifelong medical conditions or disabilities.
No expecting mother wants to give her child an infection, but there are many ways to treat Group B strep so that it does not hurt the developing baby. A urine culture performed on the mother can check for Group B strep, and it should be done if the mother experiences frequent urinary tract infections - a common symptom. If Group B strep is found, Mom can be treated with medications to help prevent the infection from spreading to the developing baby. However, none of these steps can be taken to promote the developing child’s health if a doctor fails to diagnose Group B strep correctly.
A doctor’s failure to diagnose or properly treat a prenatal infection may be medical malpractice, which might mean the family is entitled to compensation. At Page Law, our experienced St. Louis personal injury attorneys are dedicated to representing injury victims. Call us today at (314) 322-8515 for a free and confidential consultation.
