Expecting parents trust their healthcare providers to take every precaution to ensure a safe and healthy delivery. One critical step in this process is screening for Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a common but potentially dangerous bacterial infection. While GBS often causes no harm to the mother, it can have devastating consequences for newborns if left undiagnosed or improperly treated. If medical professionals fail to adhere to established prenatal care protocols, leading to a preventable GBS infection in a newborn, it may constitute medical malpractice.
Understanding Group B Streptococcus
GBS is a bacterium found in the intestines, rectum, or vaginal area of approximately 25% of healthy women. Although typically asymptomatic in adults, GBS can pose a severe risk to newborns if transmitted during birth. In the United States, GBS is the leading cause of bacterial infections in newborns, and without proper intervention, it can lead to life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis.
The Importance of Prenatal Screening and Care
Prenatal care plays a crucial role in safeguarding both mother and child. Standard medical guidelines recommend screening for GBS between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. This involves a simple swab test to detect the bacteria. If a woman tests positive for GBS, the standard of care dictates administering intravenous antibiotics during labor to minimize the risk of newborn infection.
Negligence in prenatal care related to GBS may take several forms:
- Failure to Screen for GBS: If a provider neglects to perform the recommended screening, they may be breaching the accepted standard of care. Since GBS presence can fluctuate, timely testing is critical.
- Failure to Treat a Positive GBS Test: If a woman tests positive for GBS and is not provided with antibiotics during labor, the risk of transmitting the infection to the newborn increases significantly.
- Inadequate Monitoring During Labor: Signs of infection, such as maternal fever or fetal distress, require prompt medical intervention. Failure to address these warning signs can endanger the baby’s health.
Potential Consequences of a GBS Misdiagnosis
When a newborn contracts GBS due to medical negligence, the consequences can be severe and, in some cases, lifelong. Early-onset GBS infection, occurring within the first week of life, can lead to:
- Sepsis: A life-threatening infection that can result in organ failure and require intensive care.
- Meningitis: An infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, potentially causing brain damage, learning disabilities, or hearing loss.
- Pneumonia: Severe respiratory complications that can impact a newborn’s ability to breathe and lead to long-term lung damage.
- Developmental Disabilities: Even when treated, infants who survive severe GBS infections may experience cognitive, physical, or behavioral impairments.
The Long-Term Impact of GBS Infections
The prognosis for newborns with GBS infections largely depends on how quickly the condition is diagnosed and treated. Prompt administration of antibiotics can significantly reduce complications. However, when GBS is misdiagnosed or not treated in time, infants may suffer from permanent disabilities, including cerebral palsy, hearing loss, and developmental delays. In the most tragic cases, untreated GBS infections can result in infant loss.
Is a GBS Misdiagnosis Medical Malpractice?
When medical professionals fail to follow the established protocols for screening, diagnosing, or treating GBS, they may be held accountable for medical malpractice. Families whose infants have suffered due to preventable GBS infections may have legal grounds to seek compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care, and emotional distress.
If you or a loved one has experienced the devastating consequences of a misdiagnosed or untreated GBS infection, consulting with an experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your legal options. Holding negligent medical providers accountable not only helps your family seek justice but also promotes better healthcare practices for all expecting parents.