Prevention of Birth Bacteria Infections
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Doctors Failing to Recognize Bacteria Can Cause a Kentucky Birth Injury
There are many infections and even diseases that people catch through viruses or bacteria. However, when a newborn is infected with bacteria, it can cause harm to the infant. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Listeria monocytogenes are common types of bacteria that can cause a multitude of infections in a baby, such as pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis.
What is GBS?
Group B Streptococcal disease can be passed from the mother to the infant during childbirth. Many pregnant women – about 25 percent – carry these bacteria in the vagina or rectum. Because the bacteria can come and go, it is important that pregnant women are tested for GBS.
It is recommended that pregnant women be tested for these types of bacterium at their 36-week appointment. If the mother shows signs of being at risk, then she should be treated with antibiotics during childbirth to prevent the baby getting this infection during birth.
Depending on the type of bacteria, babies can suffer serious infections that could cause:
- Trouble breathing
- High temperature
- Fussiness and crankiness
- Eating issues
- Death
What is Listeriosis?
Listeria monocytogenes, much like GBS, can lead to sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia in infants. It is generally acquired in pregnant women who have eaten contaminated food. Babies can get listeriosis from their mothers, which can cause many side effects and Kentucky birth injuries, such as:
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- Mental impairments
- Kidney and heart problems
- Blindness
- Blood infections
In extreme cases, listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, premature deliveries, and even stillbirth.
What is a Doctor’s Role in Preventing Listeriosis and GBS?
A doctor can really either help or harm a baby. A doctor should perform a swab test late in a woman’s pregnancy to check for bacteria. If there are traces, doctors should administer intravenous antibiotics during childbirth to prevent the baby acquiring the bacteria. However, if a doctor didn’t perform the routine tests, he could be liable if the infant was harmed due to his negligence.
If your baby suffered the side effects from one of these infections or any other Northern Kentucky birth injury, you may have rights. Find out how to pursue a medical malpractice case to recover for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and more. Call the law office of Hendy Johnson Vaughn Emery to talk with caring and knowledgeable Northern Kentucky birth injury lawyers in a free legal consultation at (859) 578-4444 or (888) 606-5297 today.