It is essential for pregnant women to think carefully about whether recipes will aid digestion, an expert has said.

Fertility advisor and acupuncturist Emma Cannon highlighted that healthy eating is important, but this is not all that pregnant women need to be concerned about.

She said that "foods which nourish the blood are ideal, [as is] chicken soup made from chicken stock and leafy green vegetables", as are warm foods such as cooked stews.

However, alcohol, coffee and other stimulants should be avoided at all costs, the expert added.

Editor of Grow Your Own Magazine Lucy Halsall recently said that people who grow their own fruit and vegetables are more inclined to eat healthily, due to the convenience of having produce on their doorstep.

She also said that home grown vegetables tend to have higher levels of nutrients than those purchased in a supermarket.