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Bacteria traveling upward from the mother's vagina into the uterus once the membranes (bag of waters) rupture. In addition, babies can be exposed to GBS while passing down through the birth canal. The bacteria can be swallowed or inhaled by the baby during this time.
Maternal infections have the potential to affect a baby.
Bacteria which is completely normal and without symptoms to a
mother can be devastating to a baby. It is the responsibility of
the physicians to diagnose when a pregnant woman has a bacteria
which could harm her baby. The doctor must treat the infection
and choose the correct route of delivery - cesarean section or
natural vaginal delivery. Examples of infections which can
injure a baby's brain includes Group B Strep, herpes, and
meningitis.
After a child is born, infections which are left untreated can
cause brain damage. One of the most serious infections is
meningitis. Meningitis infects and rapidly attacks a child's
brain. When a child begins showing certain signs and symptoms of
being sick, the doctors must thoroughly investigate the type of
infection. A spinal tap or lumbar puncture is required for a
doctor to safely rule out this devastating infection. If it is
not timely diagnosed and treated by the doctor, it can cause
serious and permanent neurologic injuries to a child, including
cerebral palsy. |
