Many mothers-to-be work until quite late in pregnancy and feel fine doing so. It is normal, however, to want to reduce the pace of your working life, particularly during the most physically demanding times. For many women, this means the first three months and the last six to eight weeks.

In early pregnancy, sickness and tiredness may mean that you want to avoid the rush, fumes and pressure of early-morning traveling. Think about negotiating a later start time in return for a later finishing time. Later on, the sheer exhaustion of being heavier and more uncomfortable can make traveling stressful. Again, try to change your hours, even temporarily, to suit how you feel. If you anticipate that your employer might be unsympathetic, ask your GP or the antenatal clinic to back up your request.

You have certain rights regarding hazardous working conditions. If appropriate, ask to move to a non-smoking area and make sure you sit in such an area in the canteen. Don’t skip lunch – you and the baby both need it. If you do not feel like sitting, go for a walk or swim, but do take a break. Standing for long stretches of the day can cause tiredness, backache and swelling. If your job involves long periods of standing, see if you can sit for some of the time in a chair that supports your back). Again, if you anticipate problems, ask your GP for support.

There are three broad classes of state benefit to which you may be entitled

• those for which everyone can apply as of right
• those for parents or their partners on low incomes
• and those which apply if you are (or have been) in employment.

You will enjoy free dental treatment and prescriptions for you during your pregnancy and for a year afterward, and for your child until she is 16.

Child benefit: a weekly tax-free flat-rate benefit paid directly to the mother for every child until she is 16, or 19 if still in full-time education, with additional benefit for those on Income Support or Family Credit.

One-parent family benefit, plus advice, training and help to find work and childcare facilities.

You may be entitled to some of the following benefits as the size of your family increases; amounts usually vary and are dependent on several factors, including income, savings, size of your family, whether any member of your family has special needs and whether you or your partner is working.

Clothing for a newborn

• two shawls or wraps
• four vests
• four stretch suits
• two cardigans or matinee jackets
• one outer garment, such as a snowsuit
• socks (unless all your stretchsuirs have feet)
• a pair of mittens
• a hat (against the sun or the cold, or both., depending on when the baby is born)

For changing

You can change a baby on a waterproof sheet over an old towel, but a plastic changing mat with raised edges is a good idea. It is safest to put the mat on the floor; if you want it at waist weight, keep one hand on the baby at all times. You will also need:

* nappies (new babies get through at least six a day)

* baby lotion and cottonwool balls, or baby wipes barrier cream

* (if you are using terries) a bucket with a lid.

For feeding

If you are going to breastfeed:

* two nursing bras (these are not essential, but they are comfortable and convenient)

* If you are going to bottlefeed:

* bottles

* sterilizing kit formula milk

You may also want to buy a breast pump (although expressing by hand is a useful skill and breast pads (or cotton hankies). You will also need sanitary pads for up to six weeks after the birth.

Baby chair

Some of these double as car seats, others consist of a fabric seat on a lightweight frame which hold your baby in a semi-upright position. Both are ideal for when your baby is awake but don’t put them on a raised surface. Babies love being able to see what is going on, which is impossible in a carrycot.

baby carrier

Choose one that supports the baby’s head if you are buying one for use from birth. This is an essential if you have to use public transport a lot, and a good way of keeping your baby close to you. Many fretful babies are soothed by the contact and movement they get in this way.