Health experts are calling for greater wellbeing services to be made available for would-be mothers, amid findings that children born to overweight mothers are at greater risk of health problems in later life.

The team of researchers behind the European Commission-funded Dorian Project analysed findings from a range of studies and concluded that obese mothers produce babies more likely to suffer conditions such as heart disease, strokes or develop type 2 diabetes in later life.

The team are calling for greater access to exercise programmes and dietary advice for women of childbearing age in a bid to reduce these risks.

“In the context of maternal-offspring health, attention should be devoted to the prevention of overweight and obesity among young girls, representing ’tomorrow’s mothers,’” said overall project leader Dr Patricia Iozzo, from the National Research Council in Pisa, Italy.

“Targeted strategies are also needed to ensure pregnant women do not add excess weight and protect their physical and mental health, and that of their children.”

The wellness sector is increasingly offering services and exercise schemes geared towards pregnancy. Gym chain Xercise4Less recently announced plans to roll out pregnancy-focused fitness classes across its UK clubs, while new health app MuTu aims to help new mums stay in shape and restore body confidence by offering a range of specialised workouts. In the spa sector, Online bookings specialist spaseekers.com has added a new Pregnancy Spa Guide to its website to advise mothers-to-be on the kind of treatments that can provide targeted relief from common complaints.

Louise Silverton, director for midwifery at the UK Royal College of Midwives, said: "Women should try to be an ideal weight before they become pregnant and, if not, should follow midwifery advice to manage their weight while eating a good diet rich in micronutrients.

"After birth, women need support to develop healthy patterns of eating and exercise.

"For women who are overweight or obese they need support to access weight-loss services to ensure that they are an ideal weight before they embark on their next pregnancy.”