Pregant teenagers put the health of their babies at risk by not eating an adequate diet according to a new report published by the Maternity Alliance and the Food Commission.

Forty-six expectant mothers under the age of 18 were interviewed and subsequent analysis revealed deficiencies in several essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, iron and calcium.

The research also revealed that diets worsened as money ran out with participants filling themselves up on cheap unhealthy food.

Said Tim Lobstein director of the Food Commission: 'Without sufficient cash, no amount of nutritional information and no amount of cooking skills will help these women protect the health of their babies.'