Migraines almost disappear for some women during pregnancy and for some others, they may get worse or even happen for the first time. It is usual for the migraine to occur during the first trimester, and disappear during the second and third trimesters. But the consoling factor is that, despite the throbbing and severe pain for the mother, migraines do not pose a big direct threat to the fetus.

During pregnancy the ovaries produce relaxin, a hormone that causes pelvic and cervical expansion and relaxation , which gently stretches and softens the ligaments and muscles to accommodate the growing uterus and prepare the body for labour. There are preventative and relief measures you can take during pregnancy to avoid back pain.

It’s very important therefore to remain as stress free as possible during pregnancy – eliminating sources of stress, and when this is not possible learning how to cope with it. The first step is learning to recognise the symptoms of stress and this can sometimes be difficult because the signs mirror some of the normal complaints of pregnancy.

It’s difficult to pinpoint this precisely because it is technically complicated to study babies in the womb, but we do know that about 30 weeks into pregnancy babies are able to give fairly consistent responses to different types of sound. They will be able to respond to familiar sounds and hear patterns of sound such as music. Some research has suggested that this might happen a little earlier, but 30 weeks is the most reliable consensus date.

Becoming a parent is a life changing experience, and it can sometimes feel like you need a degree in parenthood to get to grips with all the new information you have to take on board as you prepare for your new arrival. From old wives' tales to new medical research, many mums-to-be find themselves overloaded with information and advice about what they should and shouldn’t do during pregnancy, and it can be hard to know exactly which advice to follow and which to take with a pinch of salt!

If you are thinking of having a baby, aim to exercise regularly before you conceive. Being fit prior to getting pregnant will not only help you to maintain exercise during your pregnancy but will also help to improve your chances of conceiving. Exercise may be the last thing on your mind in early pregnancy however gentle walks and moderate activity such as swimming can really help to reduce some of the symptoms you may be feeling, such as nausea and tiredness.

While every pregnancy is different in its own way, our behaviour tends to follow set patterns and some healthy self-reflection can help us manage our expectations and emotions, to better cope with the joys - and challenges - of motherhood! Identifying who you are and understanding your natural coping mechanisms can help you control overriding emotions, deal with important decisions, adapt to your new situation and enjoy this wonderful time in your life.