Pregnant women to get £120 to eat better

Pregnant women will receive £120 in handouts from the government once they reach six-months pregnant.

The money will be given by the government and is intended for them to buy fruit and vegetables, but there is nothing stopping them from buying cakes and crisps instead.

The grant, which will be paid to pregnant mothers at 25 weeks from April 2009, is designed to cut infant mortality and reduce the health gap between rich and poor. This is because research shows that children born to low-income families are twice as likely than those born in middle-class families to die within the first year.

The grant, however will not be means-tested which means that the very rich could claim it as well as those in need of the money. Health secretary Alan Johnson will unveil the 'Health in Pregnancy' grant on wednesday.

Mother's with a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables during pregnancy give birth to healthier babies than those with poor diets. A spokesperson from the Department of Health said that mothers had to meet with their GP or nurse to discuss healthy eating before getting the money which is thought to be around £120.

The spokesperson commented: "We recognise the importance of a healthy diet in the final weeks of pregnancy which could mean substantial additional costs for mothers."

Thanks to the Daily Mail, 10/09/07

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Last Modified: 10/09/2007

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