Group B Strep <\/a>is a dangerous bacteria that lives in the digestive tract and the birth canal of as many as one in four pregnant women and can cause permanent handicaps for the baby.<\/p>\n According to GBS International, a group that promotes awareness of Group B Strep, the condition is the most likely cause of infections in newborns.<\/p>\n GBS does not infect every newborn that is exposed and women who carry the bacteria do not carry it consistently. Babies are most likely to become infected with the bacteria as they pass through the birth canal.<\/p>\n GBS can leave a baby with handicaps like deafness, blindness or cerebral palsy, according to GBS International.<\/p>\n Protecting a baby from GBS involves testing. Doctors can do a urine culture for GBS or other bacteria during the first and third trimesters. It is important for pregnant women to see a doctor immediately if they show signs of a vaginal infection. (more…)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Group B Strep is a dangerous bacteria that lives in the digestive tract and the birth canal of as many as one in four pregnant women and can cause permanent handicaps for the baby. According to GBS International, a group…<\/span><\/p>\n