While preparing for a baby can be a fun time filled with shopping for cute all in one suits, it is also important that pregnant women put their health at the top of the agenda.

Tommy's the baby charity has underlined how eating a balanced diet and undertaking gentle exercise is essential for expectant mothers.

Midwifery manager Emma Laing said this is just as pertinent for pregnant women in their 40s as it is for younger people who are expecting a tot.

She was reacting to recent Office for National Statistics data, which showed that the fertility rates have risen for women ages 35-39 and 40-44.

"A woman who is slightly older would normally be put under consultant care just to keep a closer eye on her. Saying that, a lot of women are having babies a bit later and they are going absolutely fine," Ms Laing remarked.

One older mum who may be shopping for all in one suits at the moment is 45-year-old actress Monica Bellucci.

She gave birth to her second child in Rome last week, reports hellomagazine.com.

Posted by Teresa O'BrienADNFCR-3005-ID-19803607-ADNFCR