The NHS has launched an information website on pregnancy and the services offered by maternity units in the UK.

The Pregnancy Care Planner website also gives detailed advice on all aspects of pregnancy; including early pregnancy, the scans and the birth.

There is also information for fathers-to-be and a week-to-week guide detailing the progress of a baby.Pregnant women can design a personalised birth plan and health guide, which they can discuss with their midwife.

By typing in their postcode, an expectant mother can compare the types of services, for example water births, that may be offered by her local maternity unit with those of others around the country.

Gwyneth Lewis, the Department of Health Clinical lead for maternity, said: " This new online resource is an excellent way for people to find out more about NHS pregnancy and birth services, and to see what local maternity services can offer them.

“This new service offers mums-to-be vital information, helping mother and baby to be healthy before, during and after the birth.”