Low-income Manitobans will soon see their prenatal benefits increase. 

The province announced Wednesday that they are doubling the benefits for pregnant Manitobans. 

“Our government knows that when you invest in prenatal care, you invest in communities,” said Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine.

The current maximum benefit is $81.41 per month. With the province setting aside $800,00 in this year's budget, low-income mothers can now collect up to $162.62.

“The prenatal benefit gives a boost in pregnancy, and, especially now at a time when with rising food costs. It will help ensure that people are as healthy as possible during their pregnancy,” said Davorka Monti, executive director, Healthy Start. “Doubling the prenatal benefit will help ensure babies are born healthy, and I think it’s a win-win for all Manitobans.”

Mothers who are part of the Manitoba Prenatal Benefit program are also set up with resources to connect with other expectant parents, including the Healthy Baby Community Support programs. These programs help pregnant Manitobans and new parents learn the basics of taking care of a child, including prenatal, postnatal and infant nutrition. 

In 2010 a study was conducted by the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy that discovered the prenatal benefit helped decrease the number of babies being born preterm or at a low birth weight. 

Moving forward, the province is now looking into ways to make the application process more accessible.