What is Group B Strep Support Awareness Month?

Group B Strep Support Awareness Month is held every year in July in the United Kingdom. The month aims to raise attention for group B streptococcus, a type of bacteria that can be life-threatening for newborn babies. This condition, often known as group B strep or GBS, is usually harmless for adults but can lead to severe infections in infants during childbirth. The campaign is coordinated by the UK charity Group B Strep Support and focuses on providing accurate information, improving testing, and supporting affected families.

This month-long observance also highlights the importance of prevention. Pregnant women are encouraged to learn about testing options and potential risks. Hospitals and clinics are invited to update their protocols. At the same time, families share their experiences to raise awareness and push for policy change. Group B Strep Support Awareness Month gives a voice to those affected and encourages the healthcare system to do better.

History and Origin

Group B strep was first identified in the 1930s, but its link to newborn illness was only recognized decades later. In the 1970s, medical researchers began to understand how babies could contract the infection during birth. It can lead to sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis. This discovery led to growing interest in developing screening methods and antibiotic treatments to prevent transmission during delivery. Still, there was limited public awareness.

The UK charity Group B Strep Support was founded in 1996 by a mother whose son had been infected with group B strep shortly after birth. She turned personal tragedy into action and created a platform for education and reform. Thanks to efforts by the charity, group B strep testing is now more widely available, but not yet routine across the UK. The awareness month was created to push for standard testing for all pregnant women and to provide a platform for research and education.

Over time, Group B Strep Support Awareness Month has gained momentum. Healthcare professionals, parents, and campaigners come together each year to demand change. Educational materials, videos, and events now fill the month, keeping the focus on prevention and informed choices. The campaign continues to grow, calling for routine testing and better care to save newborn lives.

Who Participates in Group B Strep Support Awareness Month?

• Expecting parents: People who are pregnant or planning for a baby seek information about risks and testing options.
• Medical professionals: Midwives, obstetricians, and GPs use the month to promote safer maternity care.
• Hospitals and clinics: Healthcare providers review and update their policies to include GBS awareness.
• Patient advocates: Individuals and families affected by group B strep share their stories and support change.
• Policy makers: Officials and public health authorities are urged to include group B strep testing in national guidelines.

Slogans and Themes

Each year, the campaign focuses on practical goals. Themes usually highlight early testing, informed decision-making, and preventing newborn infection. Slogans like “Test, Inform, Protect” and “Every Baby Deserves a Chance” reflect the campaign’s focus on action, not fear. The messaging is aimed at giving parents the tools they need and calling on the health system to prioritize safety for newborns.

Colors, Symbols and Patterns

Colors:

• Light blue: Represents newborn health and trust in medical care.
• Yellow: Symbolizes hope, warmth, and the future of babies born healthy.
• White: Reflects clarity and transparency in information and decision-making.

Symbols:

• Baby feet: A symbol of new life and the fragility of early days.
• Heartbeat line: Represents medical care and the urgency of monitoring.
• Awareness ribbon: Often used in light blue and yellow for visual impact.

Patterns:

• Dotted lines: Used to symbolize connection between parent, baby, and health professional.
• Soft waves: Represent the rhythm of life and the care journey of families.
• Heart shapes: Often stylized into medical visuals to combine love and clinical focus.

Most Used Hashtags

• #GroupBStrepAwareness
• #TestForGBS
• #ProtectNewborns
• #GBSMonth
• #GroupBStrepSupport

How to Celebrate Group B Strep Support Awareness Month

• Share educational resources: Distribute leaflets or online materials about GBS testing and prevention.
• Talk to your healthcare provider: Ask about group B strep screening during your prenatal visits.
• Organize a local event: Set up a discussion group or webinar to spread awareness in your community.
• Donate to the cause: Support charities like Group B Strep Support to help them continue their advocacy.
• Tell your story: If you’ve been affected, sharing your experience can make a real difference for others.

Why is Group B Strep Support Awareness Month Important?

This month matters because group B strep is preventable, but only if parents and professionals know what to look for. Without testing, the infection can strike without warning. By raising awareness, this campaign pushes for safer birth care and more informed choices. It turns private stories into public learning. No family should suffer needlessly when a simple test and antibiotics could make the difference.

Group B Strep Support Awareness Month is also a call for policy change. It encourages public health authorities to include routine testing as part of maternity care. The more people understand GBS, the fewer lives will be affected. Every July, this campaign reminds us that newborn safety depends not just on love, but also on knowledge, planning, and action.