Pregnant women shouldn't be lazy and let themselves go - they should do weights like me': Self-styled yummy mummy releases exercise guide to stop mums-to-be using the time 'as an excuse to eat cake'

For many mothers-to-be, pregnancy is the time to put their feet up and reach for another slab of chocolate.

But with up to a fifth of pregnant women classified obese, it's clear 'eating for two' is taking its toll.

Now, one woman has bravely spoken out against 'lazy' expecting mothers, saying they use their pregnancy as an 'excuse to watch daytime TV and eat chocolate'.

Instead, Mirella Ingamells says they should be following her example, lifting weights and swimming in order to stay in shape - as exercise is not unsafe.

The glamorous 35-year-old, who is mother to five-month-old Atari Maya, added women only need to eat an extra 200 calories in the third trimester of their pregnancy.

While she was expecting, she had food cravings for fish and chips and sweet things, but managed to resist them by snacking on dates, coconut and granola, and advises other women to follow suit.

'It’s nice to have an excuse to rest and watch daytime TV and eat a bucket of chocolate but it’s not good for you and it’s not good for your baby.

'I’ve seen women who have put on 4st, they didn’t think it was a big deal but post-pregnancy the weight didn’t fall off.

'You lose the baby bump but you don’t lose the body fat – that stays with you. And your body changes after pregnancy.

'For their own wellbeing and sanity, pregnant women shouldn’t let themselves go.'