Most parents have no idea they are expecting twins until their first ultrasound scan. The news usually comes as a complete surprise. You might experience a variety of feelings such as joy, anxiety, excitement and surprise before the news fully sinks in. It's natural to feel a little shell-shocked to be expecting more than one baby.

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.

Your baby's first tiny movements may feel light a slight tickle and may be quite an emotional experience for you.

Are you feeling nervous? Or are you absolutely terrified at the prospect of giving birth? There's nothing strange or unusual about fear of pregnancy. Writing a birth plan is one of many ways of dealing with it.

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.

To work or not to work It is normally fine to continue working throughout the whole pregnancy. However, in some cases you might need to either change your work duties or stay home from work.

Tips for involving your partner in the pregnancy – when you're not the one that's pregnant

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

There is no reason to stop making love during pregnancy. There is no evidence that sex can harm the baby in a normal pregnancy.

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.

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.

Being pregnant is a good reason to give up smoking – perhaps the best one you'll ever have. Smoking is harmful to the baby in the womb, during breastfeeding and if it inhales the smoke.