Most pregnant women haven't heard of Group B Streptococcus. It is a common bacterium, carried harmlessly by many adults. However, it can occasionally overwhelm the fragile immune system of a newborn baby, when passed on by the mother during labour.
It is possible to test a woman for the bacteria before she gives birth. But this test is usually only available privately and many doctors don't tell their patients about it. Infection is easily preventable with intravenous antibiotics during labour.
So should the test be routinely available on the NHS? And are health professionals failing to raise awareness among expectant mothers?
Jenni is joined by the founder of the charity Group B Strep support, Jane Plumb and by Sue Jacob from the Royal College of Midwives.
