There seems to be plenty of advice in the news about what women should be eating during pregnancy, but less so about what to eat when trying for a baby.

A new study by researchers at the University of Navarra in Spain has suggested that eating a Mediterranean diet may help to aid fertility.

Dr Estefania Toledo, who was one of the researchers involved in the study, suggested that the diet could help protect insulin resistance.

This is relevant to fertility as insulin also “regulates a number of hormones, in particular the amount of hormones needed for ovulation, which is essential for reproduction”, Dr Jorge Chavarro, of the Harvard School of Public Health, said.

While the link between a Mediterranean-type diet and improved fertility remains unproven, its health benefits are well documented.

Indeed, Jo Taylor, midwife for baby charity Tommy’s, has suggested that some aspects of the diet can be beneficial to pregnant women.

She suggested that eating “a good proportion of fruit, vegetables, fish and whole grains is recommended during pregnancy”.

In addition, she said that avoiding foods which are high in fat and sugar is also beneficial and should be adopted by expectant mums.

Women should also look to eat foods which are high in protein, such as lean meat and chicken, as well as bread, rice and pasta, that can help boost energy levels, she suggested.

It is certainly true that dips in energy during pregnancy can make you crave quick-fix energy boosters, such as chocolate bars, although their restorative powers are often short-lived.

Sometimes eating a chocolate bar can make you feel more tired and leave your energy levels more depleted than before you ate it.

Perhaps then it is wise to opt for a banana or other type of fruit, rather than a sweet treat, which can be left for special occasions.