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Maternal obesity affects more than 30% of the antenatal population in the UK. A new study published today looks at how a high or low BMI during pregnancy can affect the risk of maternal complications and cost to the health service. We discuss with co-author of the report, Dr Fiona Denison from s Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health and lecturer at Queens’s Medical Research Institute Edinburgh.

Backstage at London Fashion Week, many top make-up artists had primers as an essential part of their kit. Fifteen years ago you would have been forgiven for not knowing what a make-up primer is but in the last five years the popularity of a product said to smooth the skin so makeup applies more easily has soared and beauty editors and celebrities are happily endorsing them. But what are primers and are they any good? Sali Hughes, The Guardian’s Weekend’s beauty columnist is in the studio to explain whether they are a useful addition to make-up bags or a waste of money.

Crime writer Nicola Upson joins Jenni to discuss the real life eighteenth century Red Barn Murder and the role it plays in her new novel fictionalising the life of Golden Age crime writer Josephine Tey.

Book readings:

Waterstone's Manchester Deansgate Monday 23 September, 7pm

Blackwell's Charing Cross Road Thursday 26 September, 6.30pm

is one of India’s most experienced vocalists.Ìý She sings in the Carnatic tradition, the music of South India. Her music relies on improvisation and expertise, and she can be heard this week at the at London’s Southbank.Ìý Sudha Ragunathan joins the programme to talk about her life as a female musician and the role of women in Indian classical music.

Earlier this month a controversial decision on abortion was made by theÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Director of Public Prosecutions. Keir Starmer decided not to prosecute two doctors who had agreed, as a result of a newspaper sting, to arrange abortions for women who said they didn’t want to give birth to girls. So, if a woman chooses that she doesn’t want to have a boy or a girl – does she have the right to choose? Jenni discusses the issue with the Independent columnist Yasmin Alibhai Brown and Anne Furedi, chief executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service.

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