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.

Do the days leading up to your due date seem to be passing very slowly? Bear in mind that it's completely normal for the baby to arrive from two weeks before to two weeks after your expected due date. In fact, only about 4 percent of births happen on the actual estimated due date. So hang in there.

Here you can read about different types of contractions. You will also find links to articles about pain relief, the stages of labour, how to prepare for labour, what happens when your waters break and other useful topics.

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.

Are you concerned about your blood sugar levels? All pregnant women have their blood sugar tested several times at the maternity clinic.

After the first stage when the cervix starts dilating, which is typically quite long drawn-out, the contractions become more powerful and frequent and you feel an urge to push, which results in the baby being expelled. In the third and final stage, the placenta is expelled.

Really dangerous infections are very rare during pregnancy, and most bacteria and viruses cannot harm your child. If you become ill, there is usually no risk to the baby. However, there are exceptions.

There are many advantages of giving birth in an upright position, but what's most important is to change between different positions to help the child pass through the birth canal.

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

Round half of pregnant women experience nausea during pregnancy, primarily in the morning. The nausea usually starts after about a month. It usually stops after about three months, although a small percentage of women experience nausea and vomiting throughout the whole pregnancy.

Pregnant vegetarians should be especially careful to eat enough iron and vitamin D, as well as the right types of fat.

A C-section may either be planned, or may be performed as emergency surgery if complications arise during labour. Whatever the reason for the C-section, the procedure and the results are often the same. You'll have a scar on your lower abdomen, but you'll be holding your newborn in your arms.