Your honesty in answering these questions will go a long way towards ensuring that you receive the best possible care.

A wee drop
You will be asked to produce a urine sample at your first booking – and most subsequent ones – to monitor for high levels of sugar or protein, the possible result of increased blood flow in pregnancy, which puts pressure on your kidneys.

An excess of sugar in your urine may indicate gestational diabetes, a serious condition that affects between one and three percent of pregnant women. It can often be managed by diet alone, but 10% of patients need additional insulin treatment.

Proteinuria, a condition marked by too much protein in the urine, can have several causes. An infection of the urinary tract or kidneys is the most common cause, for which antibiotics will be administered.

Preeclampsia may also be indicated, for which the only cure is early delivery of your baby. In most cases, though, a urine test is just a minor inconvenience and should not put you off check-ups.

As Lisa says: "That first scan was the one in which we bonded with our son. We found out we were having a boy, so it all became very real.

"He looked so beautifully formed and like a real little baby that it was extremely exhilarating. It was so exciting that I forgot, at least briefly, about my morning sickness."

What is it?
The test: Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) detects chromosomal and genetic disorders such as Down's syndrome and sickle-cell anaemia.

A tube is inserted into the uterus at eight to 12 weeks and cells are taken from the placental tissue.

Pros and cons: Very accurate. There is a miscarriage risk of about two in 100. Results take only two days and will either put your mind at rest or, if an abnormality is found, will help you to make future plans. Some conditions can be treated in the womb.

The test: Nuchal translucency scan
Non-invasive ultrasound carried out at between 11 and 13 weeks to detect chromosomal disorders. "Nuchal" means neck: the scan checks for abnormal thickness in the fold at the back of the baby's neck.

Pros and cons: When combined with a blood test, this is 80 to 90 percent accurate in predicting Down's syndrome. It is non-invasive and carries no risk of miscarriage. Only consider taking the test if you are going to take action over it.

the test: Amniocentesis
A sample of amniotic fluid is taken, under local anaesthetic, through the abdominal wall at 16 to 18 weeks. Cells are tested for various disorders, including Down's.

Pros and cons: Test is about 90 percent accurate. It reveals baby's gender, which is important for some disorders. There is a risk of miscarriage (about one in 100).

Side effects range from discomfort to bleeding and possible infection afterwards. The results take up to three weeks.

Financial findings
It's a good idea to meet your financial advisor at around the time you tell family and friends you are pregnant to find out exactly what your medical aid and/or hospital plan covers and resolve any other financial queries.

For example, on Discovery Health you will be reimbursed for two ultrasound scans (2D or 3D) per pregnancy at 100% of their approved rate.

Some retirement-annuity policies, like Liberty Life's Excelsior 1 000, allow you to suspend your premiums for up to six months while on maternity leave. Investigate similar benefits – including discounts on antenatal classes – with your advisor.

12 weeks on
In the second trimester, a special blood test will detect any neurological problems in the foetus, such as spina bifida (for which folic acid is preventative) or hydrocephalus.

Your 20-week ultrasound will then check that your baby is well formed. As this is more detailed than the previous scan, it is usually performed by an experienced sonographer.

The baby's physique, the position of the placenta and blood flow to the womb are all checked.

Infernal internals
After your initial vaginal and pelvic examination at the first antenatal visit, you will probably not have to have another during your pregnancy unless you've complained of discharge or bleeding, or had a previous Caesarean because your pelvic arch was too narrow.

Increased risk?
Women over 35 are generally offered an amniocentesis due to a higher risk of abnormalities in the babies of older moms.

Some women are absolutely determined to have their baby, regardless of problems, and refuse to take the test. Others, however, struggle with the idea of a child with a diminished quality of life and may decide to terminate, says Dr Laura Goetzl in Conception and Pregnancy over 35.

If you're faced with this dilemma, counselling may help you reach a decision.

Third trimester niggles
You can expect to be seen by your caregiver with increasing frequency towards your due date so that he or she can pick up problems that may slow down your baby's growth.

If you are Rhesus negative, for example, you will need an injection of anti-D at both 28 and 34 weeks to prevent you from developing antibodies that might harm your baby. But most women have just minor niggles – indigestion, back pain and itching skin – that need attention.

As many medications are contraindicated in pregnancy, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking anything.

"As these 'minor niggles' are hugely unpleasant for pregnant women and have a significant impact on their quality of life, sorting them out as effectively as possible is a great relief," adds Dr Rogers.

Lastly, it is important to relax and focus on the positive during this special time. Your emotional and mental state can have a very real effect on your body.

Try and take time out of every day for some meditation, visualisation and positive thinking in case labour starts early and you feel unprepared.