The UK may be suffering from a lack of healthy eating guidance, with five per cent of the nation's maternity population confirmed as severely obese, research shows.

This means that around one in every 20 (38,478) pregnant women are obese each year and people should expect this number to increase, according to a representative from the Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries (CMACE).

Professor James Walker, chair of CMACE, said: "The numbers of obese mothers are on the rise and this group of women require specialist care since they are more susceptible to illnesses and complications."

Mr Walker added that the company's research has shown the full extent of the issue and has pinpointed areas where improvements are "urgently needed".

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Tommy's has advised pregnant women not to crash diet.

Jacqui Clinton, Tommy's health campaigns manager, said that future mothers should avoid obesity during pregnancy by making small changes to their diet.