NORTH Wales mums-to-be with babies due on or after April 6 are being urged to apply now for the new £190 health in pregnancy grant.

About 33,000 babies are born every year in Wales and about 7,500 of these are in North Wales.

The one-off payment is intended to help pregnant mums stay healthy in the run-up to the birth and help meet some of the costs as the big day approaches.

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

Women who apply will be given a claim form to sign and send off, which they must do within 31 days.

Women who apply in the first three months of the year will get the cash in April.

Pregnant women can find more information by visiting direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be.