Dieting in pregnancy is safe for women and does not carry risks for the baby, a review of research has suggested.
The British Medical Journal analysis looked at the findings from 44 previous studies involving more than 7,000 women.
The London-based team said following a healthy diet - and not eating for two - prevents excess weight gain and cuts the risk of complications.
But current guidelines do not advocate dieting or weight monitoring.
The advice from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), published in 2010, says: "Dieting during pregnancy is not recommended as it may harm the health of the unborn child."
However women are advised to aim to reach a healthy weight before conceiving.
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