Although shopping for outdoor baby clothes and travel cots can be fun with a bundle of joy on the way, sometimes pregnancy can be stressful.

For this reason, the NHS offers a free telephone service for women unsure of the next move once they have found out they are expecting.

Head of midwifery at University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust Helen Thompson said the provision offers comfort and advice during this important time.

Writing a letter published in the Sale and Altrincham Messenger, the specialist said the sooner women contact a midwife, the quicker they can access a range of services.

She stated: "Not only does this offer much needed reassurance to both new and experienced parents, it also offers a great start to mum and baby, helping to ensure that advice and screening tests are available in good time."

Midwives offer support to mums and dads through every stage of the pregnancy, from scans which usually occur at 12 and 20 weeks into the pregnancy to the birth itself.

They also often run ante-natal classes at community health centres and offer guidance with breastfeeding and weaning once the tot has entered the world.ADNFCR-3005-ID-19612707-ADNFCR