When you first find out you're having a baby, there are likely to be a million and one things running through your mind.
From wondering how you will cope with sleepless nights to fears about your child's future college fund, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of changes that are coming your way.
But don't let worries for the future stop you from being able to enjoy the here and now, put your worries at rest instead by making a few simple plans that will end up paying dividends.
If it's your first child and you're worried about the way you and your partner will cope with all of the new experiences, then you could find that signing up to a short parenting class is exactly what you need to take the edge off.
On the other hand, if you're shy or short of free time, you'll be glad to know that the internet is awash with great instructional videos - just have a look at video sharing sites such as YouTube and you'll be surprised how much you can learn from the comfort of your own home.
While a child brings with it plenty of joy and happiness, some people could find themselves stressed out by the costs before their baby is even born.
But there are a couple of things you can do to help the financial future of your child from the get go.
The first thing you should look into is what tax credits and benefits you'll be eligible for and how having a child changes your financial status.
If you're currently working, you'll also want to find out how much maternity or paternity time you're allowed and make a plan for childcare or a single income to help when this period comes to an end.
You might also want to consider opening a trust fund for your child.
While this won't benefit you in the short term, it can comfort you that you've made steps towards securing some finance for your child's future.
All children born after 2005 are eligible for a £250 voucher for a trust fund, which offers a great way for you to get started.
Childproofing your home is another good way to keep yourself busy while waiting for the birth of your child.
While a new baby is unlikely to be able to cause much damage, sorting out things like sharp corners, dusty rooms and potential hazards early saves you from having to worry about them as your child starts growing up.
Health is always a huge concern during pregnancy - obviously you want the best for your baby - so it's important to make sure you take care of the well-being of the parents too! You want to be able to care for your child in the best ways possible, so protect your own health by looking for compare health insurance UK to make it easier to look after yourself without costing the earth.
Once you've made some simple preparations like these, it should be easier for you to put your worries at rest and spend more time being excited about the new addition to your family.