International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Expectant mothers should eat foods which are high in folic acid as they work towards a healthy birth, it has been claimed.

Sarah Montagu, admin secretary at the UK Association of Radical Midwives (ARM), said it is essential that pregnant women are well-nourished while they are carrying a child.

She noted: "[Expectant mothers should] eat foods that are high in folic acid like broccoli, sprouts [and] all your greens.

"Quite a lot of foods now have folic acid added to them as well because that is important for the development of the baby's nervous system."

In terms of other lifestyle advice, she stressed how important it is for both mother and father to avoid smoking and drinking.

She said it is easier to conceive if the male has a healthier lifestyle, as the quality of sperm is better.

Folic acid, known as folate in its natural form, is one of the B-group of vitamins.