The health of pregnant women can be influenced by the genes of their unborn babies, say Belgian scientists.

A study, published in the journal Moelcular Biology, and led by Olivier Descamps of Jolimont medical research centre, found that high cholesterol levels in pregnancy were partly determined by the foetus' genes, with implications for women usually advised not to have children due to genetic defects.

A journal spokesman said: "Because their foetuses can compensate for their defects, these women may actually be able to bear children without complications."