You are expected to put on weight during pregnancy. It is common to gain ten to fifteen kilos. But a few kilos more or less is also completely normal, provided you are well and the baby is developing normally. If you lose a lot of weight due to nausea, get help – it's not good for either you or the baby.

One in 20 babies are born prematurely, which means before the 37th week of gestation. Most of these babies develop normally without any problems. But the earlier the baby is born, the more care it will need.

The midwife's two main tasks are to monitor the pregnancy and provide support to the expecting mother.

Pregnancy isn't always a bed of roses. A myriad of discomforts from heartburn to itching and nausea can actually make it quite a challenging time. Here is a list of pains and discomforts commonly encountered during pregnancy.

Are you tired? Short of breath? About 20 weeks into your pregnancy? Chances are you've got anaemia.

You're holding the pregnancy test in your hand and have just found out you're pregnant. Congratulations! This is the start of a long, exciting, fun, challenging and wonderful journey. It's already time to book an appointment with a midwife.

A doula, or labour coach, provides support, help and advice during labour. This type of female figure has existed throughout history. Modern doulas provide support for the whole family during labour, and often before the birth as well.

Do you want to give birth using natural pain relief such as massage, acupuncture and sterile water injections as much as possible? Or do you know already that you are prepared to have maximum pain relief if necessary, e.g. an epidural? Don't feel you have to be a hero and go without pain relief. Ask for the help you feel you need.

It is important to exercise and eat a healthy diet during pregnancy to stay strong and replenish lost energy. But you should also practise relaxation and breathing exercises. Consider taking a yoga or birth preparation course.

You've probably heard that giving birth is painful. This is enough to make most people worried. One way to manage your worry is to read up on the subject and prepare as well as you can.

Tips for involving your partner in the pregnancy – when you're the one that's pregnant

One of the best contributions you can make as a partner – both for yourself and your woman – is to be present and be prepared. To help you, we have put together a three-step plan for supporting your partner during labour.