And Maggie Blott, of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said scrapping the two-doctor rule would be wrong.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Most 'favour right to abortion'

Maggie Blott, a consultant obstetrician at London's King's College Hospital, said greater efforts had to be made to inform women about the risks of diabetes.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Diabetes 'serious pregnancy risk'

Dr Maggie Blott, of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, told BBC News Online that women should be able to give birth in comfortable surroundings.

BBC: NHS failings 'cause Caesarean hike'

Dr Blott also stressed that the use of forceps, or other devices to aid birth was a relatively simple procedure, which many women would prefer to enduring pain over long periods.

BBC: Pain in childbirth 'a good thing'

Maggie Blott, a consultant obstetrician at London's King's College Hospital, said there was evidence that babies who survived despite harsh conditions in the womb actually tended to thrive in the first months of life.

BBC: NEWS | Health | 'Depression link' to small babies