Nearly all dads say they would like to be present at the birth of their baby, according to a new survey published today.

But many say they still lack information about pregnancy and birth.

Now the national pregnancy research charity Tommy's Campaign is set to launch the first-ever web site for expectant fathers.

It has also linked up with Boots the Chemist to produce a new booklet offering tips to mums-to-be about staying healthy during pregnancy and advice to prospective dads about preparing for pregnancy which is being made available in National Pregnancy Week, which begins on Sunday.

Janet Pattisson, of Tommy's Campaign, said: "When it comes to pregnancy and birth, it is often the men who get overlooked. Women have access to a plethora of information but men often feel left out, under pressure and confused."

Lucilla Poston, professor of fetal health with Tommy's Campaign, said the booklet aimed to help women look after themselves while they were pregnant with a list of ten tips.

It also has advice for men looking to become dads, which looks to ensure the best possible start for a baby.

Among tips for men are:

Give up smoking. Apart from the health risk to men, smoking can actually reduce fertility by affecting the quality of sperm.

Cut down on heavy drinking and eat a balanced diet. This will also improve general health and sperm quality.

Fertility can also be affected by hot baths, some prescribed drugs and even tight-fitting underpants.

Among information available on the website are useful names and organisations, counsellors and various helplines as well as pre-conception advice and answers to common questions asked by dads.

The new website can be accessed at http://www.boots.co.uk under Your Health.

The Bradford branch of Tommy's Campaign will be distributing information about the charity in Boots, Darley Street, on Thursday, September 10 and at Boots in Keighley on Friday, September 11.

The charity offers a local support group for women who have lost babies in pregnancy or undergone difficult pregnancies.

It also raises money to fund research to find out why some pregnancies are complicated and why some births are premature.

For further details call Anne Cowman on (01274) 622419.

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