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Help protect your newborn from this uncommon but serious condition

	Infections in newborns occur when a mother passes germs on to her baby during childbirth. Turn to ConsumerReportsHealth.org for advice on the best treatments to protect your baby from serious illness.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out which medication rates best for treating infections in newborns.

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about preventing and treating infections in newborns. Our clear and sound advice will help you and your doctor choose the best treatment options.

Key points about infections in newborns

• Newborn babies who have an infection need to be treated quickly with antibiotics.
• Symptoms of strep B infection in newborns include difficulty breathing, high fever, and difficulty feeding.
• Strep B in newborns can lead to serious illness such as blood infection, lung infection, and infection of the fluid and lining around the brain.
• Most infections in newborns are caused by a group of germs called group B streptococcus (also called group B strep or beta strep).
• If your newborn is born before the 37th week of pregnancy and weighs less than 5.5 pounds, or if you have a fever during labor, your baby may be at risk for strep B.
• Group B strep infection in newborn babies can be prevented by giving women antibiotics during labor.

In the United States, all pregnant women are tested between the 35th and 37th week of pregnancy to see if they have group B strep. If you're carrying group B strep, you'll be given antibiotics during labor. Antibiotic drugs kill the bacteria that cause infections in newborns. If the antibiotic treatment you were given during labor doesn’t work, your baby will be tested and treated right away.

Our concise condition report and treatment ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which medications for treating and preventing infections in newborns are best for you and your baby. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 150 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.