For lots of reasons, it is a good idea to reach a healthy, ideal weight before you become pregnant — for both you and baby.

Being underweight can reduce your chances of conceiving, and underweight women who do become pregnant have an increased chance of delivering a low-birth weight baby.

Low-birth weight babies are at more risk of developing heart disease when they grow up to become adults — so by doing your best to maintain a healthy weight and to gain a healthy amount of weight during your pregnancy, you can help to programme your baby for long life and good health long into their future.

Being overweight also carries increased risks during pregnancy. If you are overweight you are more likely to develop high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy, and even more at risk of a complicated delivery.

So, for you and your baby, if you are under or overweight before you become pregnant, now is the time to address the issue. It is also much easier to maintain a healthy weight during your pregnancy if you are a healthy weight to begin with.

To maintain a healthy weight try some of the tips below

1. Follow the general healthy eating guidelines and the food pyramid as your your guide.

2. Include a wide variety of healthy foods including wholegrain cereals and breads, lean meat, poultry and oily fish, fruit and veg and low fat dairy foods.

3. Drink plenty of water and avoid fizzy drinks or too many fruit juices.

4. Practice healthy cooking methods such as grilling,baking, steaming or boiling instead of frying or deep frying.

5. Include moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes on at least 5 days per week such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, dancing or exercise classes.