Newham mums-to-be can claim a £190 one-off tax-free payment from the Government from 6 April 2009.

Lyn Brown MP is today urging pregnant Newham women to collect their ‘Health in Pregnancy’ grants, which aim to help them prepare for the birth of their baby. 

The grant is a one-off payment of £190 for each pregnancy. It doesn't affect tax credits or any other benefits and every expectant mother is entitled to the same amount.  

Expectant mothers must be at least 25 weeks pregnant and usually resident in the UK to apply.

To get the grant, they need to get a claim form signed by their midwife or doctor and send it off within 31 days of your midwife or doctor signing the form. The payment then goes directly into bank or building society accounts.

Lyn Brown MP said: 

“Becoming a mum, whether for the first or fifth time, is very exciting, but it can also be a daunting experience. Parents will know that with a new baby comes additional expense.

“I’m glad that the Labour Government is recognising this by providing help to children and families and I’m sure the new £190 Health in Pregnancy grants will make a real difference to women in Newham.

"To get the money, women need to get a claim form from their midwife or doctor, so I would encourage them to do this as soon as they can.”

Text messages reminders for mums-to-be who are not yet 25 weeks pregnant can be set up at www.campaigns.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be/alerts.jsp.