A member of the profession which provides care and advice during pregnancy, supervises the mother's labour and delivery, and cares for her and the baby after birth (see also PREGNANCY AND LABOUR). Should a pregnancy or labour develop complications, the midwife will seek medical advice. Most midwives are registered general nurses who have also done an 18-month course in midwifery. Trained midwives are registered with the UK Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) and practise in hospitals, health centres, and care homes or in patients’ homes.