Obese women should lose weight before becoming pregnant to avoid complications, researchers have warned.

New babies inevitably attract ‘wee’ jokes but the subject is no laughing matter when it is mum, rather than baby, who has the trouble holding their water.

Women are advised to take folic acid supplements if trying to get pregnant and throughout the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, as this reduces the risk of defects in the baby’s spinal cord.

MOST women should be offered midwife-led care that uses fewer interventions and is just as safe as the consultant-led model, a major study recommends.

GROUNDBREAKING research on the strengths and weakness of the state’s publicly funded maternity services for women with disabilities was announced yesterday.