Q: I am 30 weeks' pregnant and am gearing up to give birth. The trouble is, I am really worried that I won't love this child as much as I love my son. The baby is planned and definitely wanted, but I just can't imagine loving another baby as much as I do my boy. Am I being silly worrying about this?

A: It is not silly at all to be worrying about this, although you are probably worrying for no reason at all! Once you have a baby and experience that feeling of overwhelming love, it is difficult to imagine feeling like that again. But you will!

Try casting your mind back to when you were pregnant the first time. You more than likely had some doubts then? Many women will admit to occasionally wondering if they would love their baby, but as soon as they set eyes on their bundle of joy, those doubts melt away.

It is likely to be exactly the same the second time around. And remember that straight after delivery, your body will be filled with the hormones and emotions that will connect you to your child, and you'll wonder why you ever thought this way.

If you are seriously concerned, then do speak to your midwife about your fears. She has probably heard this many times before and may recommend some courses of action to help you prepare for the arrival of your second child. For example, are you letting yourself spend a little time each day bonding with your new baby? If not, make sure you find the time to sit down, put your feet up, and concentrate on your bump and his or her little kicks.

It is a known fact that the unborn baby will be able to hear you and feel the sensation of you stroking him or her; so spend a little time each day stroking, singing and talking to your little one. You will probably feel waves of maternal love and this will help to reassure you. Also, have you talked to friends with two or more children? They will be in a position to tell you how they felt when baby number two entered the world.

At the end of the day, try not to worry. Relax as much as you can, and let nature take its amazing course - and you are sure to find that your fears are totally unfounded.

Did you have similar fears for your second child?