The pregnancy timeline...

Right, so how long is this whole baby growing in the tummy thing going to take? Fans of the movie Alien will be glad to know that it takes a little longer to hatch a baby than it does a teeth nashing xenomorph, and that the actual birthing process is less explosive. Though, to be honest, not much less gory.

On average, you've got a 40-ish week wait ahead of you (depending on how far gone the missus is already). That's roughly the same length as a football season, and no less fraught with highs and lows, ups and downs, and the occasional own goal. Check out our handy diagram here:

• Be involved - If possible, attend appointments and prenatal classes
• Get informed - read books, look for information on the internet and talk to other fathers
• Help plan for the baby – get the necessary equipment, discuss finances and parenting
• Stay healthy – think about eating healthily and giving up smoking, for you and your partner
• Be supportive and understanding

This is a really anxious time for prospective parents, and it's at this point that your partner's at most risk of having a miscarriage. It's really important that she's well looked after, and that you both eat well and drink sensibly. No more nights on lash for you my son! Well you can but it's a bit rude.
Moods may change, sex drive may increase or decrease and there may be changes in appetite. Her body has to work extra hard to adjust to the developing baby, and it accelerates all its usual functions. For instance, breathing becomes more rapid in order to send more oxygen to the baby.

On the plus side, Breasts grow larger and heavier, but they also can become very tender so you might find yourself in a 'look but don't touch' scenario. The uterus puts pressure on the bladder and she'll need to go to the toilet more often. It's probably wise not too mock her about this cos she'll probably be quite sensitive about it.

It is important for her to avoid drugs, caffeine, junk food and alcohol at all stages of pregnancy but especially at this early stage, and again, you'll probably want to show solidarity with her on this. Despite all this healthy living, chances are she'll be pretty sick anyway with morning sickness, ironically enough.  

By the end of this stage, the baby is fully formed and active, although she won’t feel it just yet. Babies are about 9cm in length and 48g in weight at this time.

It is normal at this stage for both of you to be anxious about the prospect of becoming parents. You may be worried about your baby’s health, finances and what kind of dad you will be. Talking to other dads might help, as will reading books on pregnancy and sites like Dads' Space!

This is the time when women begin to feel more comfortable being pregnant, and often feel more energetic. Women in this stage are often said to ‘glow’ as their hormones even out and hair and skin will benefit. Don't worry, it's not like some kind of ultra bright Ready Brek glow or anything. Morning sickness eases off but indigestion and constipation may occur. Sex drives can return or increase in some cases, although everyone is different.

 Hormones play a big role in pregnancy and her mood may change frequently, and she may not be able to explain why. Try to understand that this is all natural and part of the journey of being pregnant.

Women will start to actually look pregnant as the abdomen becomes rounder. How big they get depends on many factors such as their height and build, whether it is the first pregnancy, and the size of the growing baby. The average weight gain for this time is about 12Ib. Because of the extra weight some women may get backache. Mums should try to avoid lifting in this stage.

First-time mums with an uncomplicated pregnancy will have at least 10 antenatal checks – usually at weeks 16, 18-20, 25, 28, 31, 34, 36, 38, 40 and also at week 41 if they haven’t given birth yet.

They will be given regular checks of urine, weight and blood pressure. Doctors will also check the baby’s size and heartbeat and in the fourth month they will have their first ultrasound scan, where you can see your baby for the first time (a very odd experience). If a woman is over about 35 she may have to have an amniocentesis test to check for any abnormalities.

At this stage, babies have developed waking and sleeping patterns and are about 25cm long and weigh about 1kg.

The abdomen increases rapidly in size now and women will feel very tired, and possibly anxious about giving birth. It may feel uncomfortable but once the baby settles into the pelvis, the pressure on the diaphragm is eased and it becomes easier to breathe normally. A possible problem at this stage is high blood pressure; signs of this can be swollen hands, feet, ankles and face.

Although she may be feeling extra tired at this time, finding a comfortable position to sleep in can be difficult. Massages can help to relax mums and it is important for her to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and to drink at least 8 glasses of fluids a day.

There will be more frequent antenatal checks now, these will happen weekly from the 36th week of pregnancy. The doctor will explain each test. Some women may get what is called ‘Braxton Hicks’ contractions, where the body practices for labour. Unlike real labour they are usually quite painless and last for roughly 25 seconds.

Towards the end of this stage, the essential equipment should have been brought ready for the new arrival!

A baby at full term can be about 37cm long and between 6-8Ib.