There is a lot of waiting around in pregnancy, so it makes sense to make the best possible use of that time.

Consider spending just one hour of that time each trimester donating blood. She gives birth, you give blood. There’s extra kudos if you donate plasma between whole blood donations – and did we mention the free snacks?

Up to 1 in 7 women will require blood products during their pregnancy, and many may require a transfusion during childbirth. There are also thousands of children born each year who require blood products or regular transfusions.

Giving blood is a simple and powerful way to show your support for your pregnant partner. It’s also something you can fit around your regular schedule so it won’t get in the way of your other commitments.

Donating blood or plasma when your partner is pregnant not only gives you a tangible sense of contributing to saving lives, but it’s a fantastic thing to mention to all your mates when they ask if you’re feeling a bit useless during this ‘waiting’ bit of parenthood.

One blood donation saves three lives. As you prepare for your baby to enter the world, imagine the satisfaction of knowing you’ve given the gift of blood to new mothers and their babies at their most vulnerable time.

Your partner can’t give blood during her pregnancy, so this is something that only you can do: your own personal superpower