While you're pregnant, you will normally see a small number of healthcare professionals regularly, led by your doctor. They want to make you feel as comfortable as possible while you're pregnant and when you have your baby.

Many mothers would like to get to know the people who care for them during pregnancy and the birth of their baby.Your hospital should try and make this happen, but in the meantime you may see several different carers.

The professionals you see should introduce themselves and explain what they do. If they forget, ask them. Make a note of who you have seen and what they have said, in case there is a point you need to discuss later on.

Below is a list of the people you are most likely to meet. Some may have students with them who are being trained, and you'll be asked if you mind the students being present.

Skilled Birth attendant (SBA)
Your designted nurse or skilled birth attendant is an expert in normal pregnancy and birth. They are specially trained to care for mothers and babies throughout normal pregnancy, labour and after the birth. They provide care for most women at home or in hospital. They work both in hospitals and in the community, so that the same skilled birth attendant can provide antenatal care and be present at the birth.

A designated nurse will look after you during labour if everything is straightforward, and they'll probably deliver your baby. If any complications develop during your pregnancy or delivery, you'll also see a doctor. You will probably also meet student doctors. After the birth, you and your baby will also be cared for by maternity support workers.

Obstetrician
An obstetrician is a doctor who specialises in the care of women during pregnancy, labour and after the birth. In some hospitals, you'll automatically see an obstetrician. In others, your doctor will refer you for an appointment if they have a particular concern, such as previous complications in pregnancy or chronic illness. You can ask to see an obstetrician if you have any concerns.

Anaesthetist
An anaesthetist is a doctor who specialises in providing pain relief and anaesthesia. If you decide to have an epidural for pain relief during labour, it will be given by an anaesthetist, who's responsible for making sure you stay pain-free throughout your labour. If you require a caesarean section or instrumental delivery, for example with forceps or ventouse, an anaesthetist provides the appropriate anaesthesia. In many hospitals, your doctor can arrange for you to talk to an anaesthetist about pain relief if you have medical or obstetric problems.

Paediatrician
A paediatrician is a doctor specialising in the care of babies and children. A paediatrician may check your baby after the birth to make sure everything is OK, and they will be present when your baby is born if you've had a difficult labour. If your baby has any problems, you'll be able to discuss these with the paediatrician. If your baby is born at home or your stay in hospital is short, you may not see a paediatrician at all. Your doctor can check on you and your baby.

Sonographer
A sonographer is specially trained to carry out ultrasound scans. A sonographer will perform your dating, nuchal translucency or anomaly scan. Some women are also scanned at other times in their pregnancy.

Obstetric physiotherapist
An obstetric physiotherapist is specially trained to help you cope with physical changes during pregnancy, childbirth and afterwards. Some attend antenatal classes and teach antenatal exercises, relaxation and breathing, active birth positions, and other ways to keep yourself fit and healthy during pregnancy and labour. After the birth, they advise on postnatal exercises to tone up your muscles.

Health visitor
Health visitors are specially trained nurses who offer help and support with the health of the whole family. You may meet your health visitor before the birth of your baby and in the first few weeks after the birth. You may continue to see your health visitor or a member of the team at home or at your child health clinic. Find a clinic near you.

Dietitian
Dietitians are available to advise you on healthy eating or special diets, for example if you develop gestational diabetes.