Folic acid
Folic acid, also called folate, is a B vitamin found in a number of foods. Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in babies, when development of the spine or brain are incomplete. Such defects include spina bifida and anencephaly.
Because it is virtually impossible to get the recommended amount of folic acid from diet alone current advice is for all women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to take a 400 microgram folic acid supplement until the 12th week of pregnancy. You can continue taking it after this date, but talk to your health professional about dosage.
Foods that contain folic acid include:
dark green vegetables
cereals, especially wholegrains - some breads and cereal products are fortified with folic acid (read the packet's nutritional label)
oranges, grapefruit, bananas
beans and pulses
milk and yoghurt
yeast or malt extracts (as drinks or spreads)

Will they teach me to breathe?
The classic image of an antenatal class is a group of women lying on the floor, learning to breathe in unison. The idea here is that you're supposed to use the same method as a way of coping with pain in labour.
In reality, while relaxation as a form of stress relief may be taught, rigid breathing methods are rarely seen these days. Instead, the best classes will encourage you to be fit and to know what your choices are in labour, including the different labour positions and the various methods of pain relief available, such as massage and water as well as drug options.

Is caffeine harmful?
There's some research to show that high intakes of caffeine may be linked to miscarriage. The Food Standards Agency suggests pregnant women limit their intake of coffee to no more than four cups a day. Remember cola drinks also contain caffeine. Switch to non-caffeine alternatives where possible.
Drinking, smoking and other perils
The occasional glass of alcohol isn't considered harmful for your baby. Continuous, heavy drinking, however, can cause permanent brain and developmental damage in the foetus.
If you smoke, get help to give up. Smoking raises the carbon monoxide levels in your blood and reduces the amount of oxygen that gets to your baby, affecting his growth and making him vulnerable to infection. It also puts him at higher risk of stillbirth or being born early. After the birth there's an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS or cot death). Your partner should stop smoking too, and you should avoid smoky atmospheres.

Breathe, it won't be long now
Topics covered in your antenatal classes may include:
what happens during labour and birth
coping with labour and information about pain relief
exercises to keep you fit during pregnancy and help during labour
preparing for life with a new baby
caring for a newborn, including feeding
your own health in pregnancy and after the birth
relaxation
emotions surrounding pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal period
'refresher' classes for those who've already had a baby.

Most parents attend at least some antenatal classes. You're entitled to time off work to do so. Some employers will ask to see a note from your midwife or doctor recommending you go and confirming your attendance.

How to tell it's labour
Time your contractions. It's probably labour if your contractions last more than 40 seconds and you're having three every ten minutes.
You've had a 'show'. This is a loss of pink mucus from the plug that keeps the cervix closed. Labour can start any time after this, although it could be as long as a few days. Some women don't notice the show, so just because you haven't seen yours, it doesn't mean you aren't in labour.
Your waters have broken. This means the membranes holding the amniotic sac, which contains your baby and the amniotic fluid, have started to leak. It can happen suddenly, but is more likely to be a gradual trickle. Again, you may not notice your waters going at all. It's more likely to happen when you're already in established labour. There's a risk of infection if your waters break too soon before labour and the waters could bring the cord down as well, compressing your baby's oxygen supply (this is rare). Call the hospital if you're concerned.

Labour begins when the uterus starts contracting regularly. These contractions then get stronger and more frequent.
Contractions allow your uterus to push the baby downwards and to pull the cervix upwards, allowing the exit to get bigger and bigger in preparation for your baby's head.
Most labours start off quite slowly and gently, and you may have several hours of wondering if this is actually 'it' or not.
Some women experience quite powerful Braxton Hicks 'practice' contractions. It's not uncommon to think this is real labour; some women even end up in hospital, only to be sent home because nothing's happening. Don't be embarrassed if this happens to you - maternity staff have seen it all before.
When the real thing does start, if you've had a normal pregnancy so far there's no need to make a mad dash for the hospital. You'll probably cope better with the contractions if you're free to walk around and choose your own distractions.