Health Story

22 November 2008 20:13 BST

Govt confirms healthy pregnancy grant

The government has confirmed that it is planning to pay expectant mothers a one-off grant to encourage them to eat healthily during pregnancy.

Health secretary Alan Johnson, responding to reports over the weekend ahead of a key speech later this week, said that the scheme would have a "direct effect" on babies' health.

He told the Today programme that the plans were designed to address concerns surrounding underweight babies and the health of new mothers from lower-income backgrounds.

According to the World Health Organisation birth weight is the "single most important determinant" in a new baby's survival, while figures show that eight per cent of UK babies are born underweight, compared to the EU average of 6.4 per cent.

"More generally it's about tackling health inequalities because the mothers in more deprived areas, both they and their child are more likely to fall ill than those in more prosperous areas," Mr Johnson explained, adding that the payment would be paid in the 29th week of pregnancy.

But he was unable to confirm newspaper reports that the grant would stand at about £120.

"This is a universal payment," the minister continued. "It's tied to week 29 which still allows another 12 weeks before the baby's born, because we want to concentrate on ensuring that in those later weeks of pregnancy, that nutrition for mother and baby is of high quality.

"And it's also linked to the routine antenatal examination that takes place at that time."

Responding to accusations that the money could be spent on things other than healthy food Mr Johnson added: "It's a pretty cynical view of society that says if you give people money then you suddenly have to have some kind of policing system to ensure they spend it on the right things."

Premature baby charity Bliss has already given a lukewarm reaction to the government proposals.

Its spokeswoman Amy Edmunds said: "Babies most in need of support are those born before 29 weeks' gestation.

"Around 12 per cent of premature deliveries last year happened at 29 weeks or earlier, which suggests that many women could miss out on the new grant.

"Poor diet is only one of many potential factors that contribute to premature birth and low birth weight."

Tam Fry, director of the Child Growth Foundation, added: "We know that women who are well educated and with disposable income take their diet seriously during pregnancy and eat well, but for those lower on the social scale, without the education or the money or the help, it's tough.

"It's a sensitive issue to address, but it matters because the weight of a baby at birth can have a profound effect on their health further down the line."