MORE than 1000 new mums in East Devon this year are set to get a cash boost to help them stay fit and healthy in the run up to the big day.

MORE than 1000 new mums in East Devon this year are set to get a cash boost to help them stay fit and healthy in the run up to the big day.

The new Health in Pregnancy Grant is a one-off payment intended to help pregnant mothers stay fit and help meet some of the costs.

In 2007 1,075 mums gave birth in East Devon and Yvette Cooper, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said:

"Every month around 970 women in Devon celebrate the birth of a new child. And with the introduction of the baby grant mums-to-be can now get extra help at such an important time in their family life.

"Every mum knows that the run up to birth can be an expensive and sometimes stressful time.

"The grant will help mums-to-be support their good health during the pregnancy, as well as help give their child the best possible start in life. It's the mums' choice what they do with the cash as everyone's circumstances are different."

Janet Fyle, Professional Policy Advisor at the Royal College of Midwives, said:

"This is a commendable initiative from the Government, and one that demonstrates that we value and want to support mothers-to-be."

The money can be claimed from the 25th week of pregnancy, after receiving health advice from a midwife or other health professional.

Expectant mums will be given a claim form to sign and send off, which they must do within 31 days. When the claim is approved, the money is paid directly into a bank or building society account.

Pregnant women can get more information at http://www.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be or by downloading a free podcast at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts

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