The NHS is launching the first online maternity guide offering prospective parents information and advice on handling pregnancy.

The new Pregnancy Care Planner will also give comparative guides to what local services have to offer.

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."

Users type in their post code and look at what pregnancy support services are on offer in their local area, including birth lessons and local hospitals.

Pauline Esson, the Head of Midwifery at Lewisham Hospital said the absence of an online maternity guide was becoming problematic.

"Just at the time that people are demanding more and more online information, we haven't had a reliable place to direct people to," she said.

"I will definitely use this planner as back up to care and will print out the key sections for expectant parents without internet access."

The guide is part of NHS choices - a programme to put health and medical information online.