The availability of diagnostic tests, antenatal classes, one-to-one care in labour and facilities for home births varies widely across the country. The government plans to invest £100 million in childbirth services over the next 10 years to ensure that the same high standard of care is on offer everywhere in Britain. Until then, the facilities pregnant women are offered depend entirely on where they live.
	Where to have your baby
	Once you know you are pregnant, visit your GP to discuss the maternity care options available in your area. Make enquiries now about availability if you want a home birth.
	Antenatal tests
	You will be offered screening and diagnostic tests and ultrasound scans.
	Older mothers
	It's particularly important for older women to think through the implications of antenatal tests as the risk of Down's syndrome increases with the mother's age.
	Multiple births
	Pregnancies of twins or more will be picked up at your first scan.
	Antenatal classes
	Find out what's on offer, both through the NHS and privately. Some private classes may be heavily oversubscribed. Look for a class at a time that's convenient for the person who will be with you at the birth, too.
	Miscarriage
	Around one pregnancy in five ends in a miscarriage. Most occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
^top
	Antenatal tests
	Further screening and diagnostic tests and ultrasound scans are offered.
	Antenatal classes
	Classes start during the second trimester. Different classes cover different aspects of pregnancy and birth, so consider doing more than one. Your partner or the person who will be with you at the birth should also try to attend some classes.
	Maternity leave and pay
	Start making decisions about your working future after the birth. Go to specialist organisations for information and advice.
	Miscarriage and stillbirth
	The loss of a pregnancy at up to 24 weeks is called a miscarriage. A stillbirth occurs when a baby dies before or during birth after 24 weeks or more of pregnancy.
	Premature birth
	Every day 100 babies are born prematurely. Those born between 24 and 32 weeks are most vulnerable as their lungs are immature, but each additional week of pregnancy improves a premature baby's chance of survival.
^top
	Premature and stillbirth
	A premature baby is one born before 37 complete weeks of pregnancy. Most premature babies born after 32 weeks survive and develop normally. One baby in every 188 is stillborn for reasons that are not always fully understood.
	Birthing companions
	If you haven't done so already, think about who you would like to have with you at the birth. Many women want the baby's father to be present, but you may want someone else there for support.
	Home birth
	Start making preparations if you have opted for a home birth.
	Multiple births
	Twins are usually delivered at about 38 weeks, and triplets or more may be delivered even earlier.
	Childcare
	If you are planning to return to work fairly soon after your baby's arrival, start investigating childcare options.
^top
	Where your baby is born
	How your labour and birth are managed depends on whether you have decided to go to a hospital or midwifery unit, or to have a home birth.
	Labour
	Your labour may start naturally or it may need to be induced. Every type of pain relief has its pros and cons. If you are well-informed beforehand, you will be in a better position to make decisions during labour.
	Older mothers
	Doctors may be reluctant to let you go far past your due date before suggesting induction. This is because the placenta may start to break down.
	Support at the birth
	Most women have their partner or a close friend or relative with them at their child's birth. They can offer valuable support and encouragement during labour.
	How your baby is born
	There is a wide spectrum of birth experiences, from water birth through instrument-aided delivery to Caesarean section. Find out about all the possibilities in advance.
	Multiple birth
	Unless there are good reasons against it, you should be able to give birth vaginally, without interventions. Some hospitals have policies on how to manage multiple births, which you will be told about during pregnancy.
^top
	Breastfeeding
	Not always as easy as it looks, breastfeeding can take time and persistence to become established but it is nutritionally best for the baby and passes on immunity to diseases from the mother.
	Partners
	Partners can ease the pressure on new mothers as well as getting to know the baby themselves by taking on a full share of daily care.
	Postnatal depression
	As many as 10% of new mothers develop postnatal depression. The condition is treatable but isn't always recognised immediately.
	Coping with isolation
	Many women miss the companionship and stimulation of work. Making contact with other parents is one of the many ways of easing isolation.
^top