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'OptimalMe: Health in preconception, pregnancy and postpartum' research study
There’s a lot to think about when planning a pregnancy, and it can often feel like there are more questions than answers. Should I be ‘eating for two’? Is it safe to keep taking Pump classes? From books to blogs, the amount of health information out there can be confusing and conflicting. One thing is certain, when it comes to nutrition and staying active throughout your pregnancy, establishing healthy habits before you conceive is ideal.
Tailored health support for women planning to conceive
In an Australian-first, Medibank has partnered with Monash University’s reproductive health experts1 to trial an innovative pre-pregnancy study. The study provided tailored health support to women who were planning to conceive within the next 12 months. Participants received complimentary, one-on-one health guidance and evidence-based information for pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after birth2.
The research study aims to prevent and reduce the health risks for both mum and baby associated with gaining too little or too much weight during pregnancy. A recent Monash University study has revealed that around 50 percent of mums-to-be gain too much weight during pregnancy, while 23 percent gain too little3.
Recruitment has now closed for the OptimalMe: Health in preconception, pregnancy and postpartum research study. Monash University will continue to deliver the OptimalMe program to recruited participants, and the findings of the study will be published at a later date.
About the OptimalMe study
Find out more information about the OptimalMe research study.
Many women worry about weight gain during pregnancy, which is why the OptimalMe study was specially designed to provide respectful, supportive, and evidence-based health guidance tailored to each individual.
To help optimise each trial participant's health and support them to feel their best, OptimalMe provided personalised, evidence-based dietary and exercise information to help them stay physically active and achieve a healthy weight before, during and after their pregnancy. To support their baby's healthy development, OptimalMe also offered essential pre-pregnancy information on medical screening and vaccinations, smoking and alcohol intake, and diet and exercise. Importantly, our team of qualified health professionals were available to provide one-on-one information and guidance each step of the way.
The OptimalMe study was available both over the phone and online, allowing each particpant to access this Australian-first support, regardless of where they live.
The OptimalMe research study has now concluded.
There was no charge to participate for Medibank members. Whether a member chose to participate or not, there was no adverse impact on their Medibank membership or premiums.
Whether you are planning to conceive, currently pregnant or have a young family, you probably have plenty of questions about COVID-19. Any respiratory illness (such as influenza) can cause serious complications for pregnancy, so it is advised that pregnant women take extra precautions in practising good hand hygiene and social distancing to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19.The OptimalMe study is delivered both over the phone and online. Therefore, physical contact is not required to participate in the study.
To learn more about COVID-19 and pregnancy health visit the Pregnancy, Birth, Baby website or call Pregnancy, Birth, Baby on 1800 882 436 to speak with a maternal child health nurse to discuss your general questions.
Our Commitment
At Medibank, we are proud to continue our long-standing tradition of supporting health and medical research. The Medibank Better Health Foundation aims to be a catalyst for positive change – investing in, advocating, promoting and disseminating research insights so that all Australians can live better.
References
1 Monash University. World’s largest study of how exercise and healthy diet interventions in pregnancy improve health of mothers and babies. (2019) Retrieved from https://www.monash.edu/news/articles/worlds-largest-study-of-how-exercise-and-healthy-diet-interventions-in-pregnancy-improve-health-of-mothers-and-babies
2 While we hope you find this information helpful, please note that it is general in nature. It is not health advice, and is not tailored to meet your individual health needs. You should always consult a trusted health professional before making decisions about your health care. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them. For these reasons we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss that may be sustained from acting on this information (subject to applicable consumer guarantees).
3 Association of Gestational Weight Gain With Maternal and Infant Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (2017) Retrieved from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2630599
4 Health Direct. (2020). Groups at higher risk of developing COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-groups-at-higher-risk-faqs#pregnant
Things you should know
While we hope you find this information helpful, please note that it is general in nature. It is not health advice, and is not tailored to meet your individual health needs. You should always consult a trusted health professional before making decisions about your health care. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them. For these reasons we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss that may be sustained from acting on this information (subject to applicable consumer guarantees).
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