How your extras can help during pregnancy

Pregnancy can put a lot of strain on your body. Here’s how your extras can help.

It’s no secret that pregnancy can put a lot of extra strain on your body – growing a baby is no easy task. It can also be a confusing time. You want to stay as healthy as you can, but there are so many dos and don’ts it can be overwhelming.

The good news is, if you have extras cover, you may be able to use your cover to help pay towards some health services and support to help you through. Read on to find out how.

 

A woman getting a massage

Take on aches and pains with the help of a physio

During pregnancy, you may experience lower back and pelvic pain because of the extra strain put on your back as your baby grows, or your ligaments loosening to prepare for childbirth. But it’s not something you necessarily have to grin and bear. Your extras cover may help pay towards a session with a physio, who may be able to help relieve the pain, build your muscle strength and flexibility and keep any problems at bay. Look out for a physio that specialises in women’s health. And remember that waiting periods and annual limits apply.

Prepare your pelvic floor

The muscles that keep your bladder closed, commonly known as your pelvic floor muscles, come under a lot of strain during pregnancy and childbirth. The good news is, you can strengthen them with exercise, and if you put the hard yards in early, you’ll thank yourself later. Your extras may help pay towards appointments with a pelvic floor physiotherapist, who can help you with exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles for when you most need them.  Remember that waiting periods and annual limits apply.

Want some extra dietary advice?

Every mum-to-be wants to fuel their baby’s growth with the right food and nutrients. If you’re looking for some personalised, one-on-one advice in addition to what your GP or obstetrician has provided, a dietitian may be able to help. And your extras may be able to help with the cost, provided you’ve served your waiting periods and haven’t used up your annual limits.

Healthy mums need healthy gums

Pregnancy brings about a lot of changes, but one that you might not know about is your dental health. Hormonal changes can make you more prone to gum disease. Seeing your dentist regularly can help to catch any problems early before they start causing more serious issues. And remember, Medibank members with eligible extras cover can get 100% back on up to two dental check-ups at a Members’ Choice Advantage dentist every calendar year, including x-rays (if clinically required).*

Manage your stress

There is a lot to process when you’re having a baby – whether it’s your first or your third. Feeling stressed, overly worried or emotional is totally normal. If you feel sad or worried for two weeks or longer, it may be time to ask your GP for a referral for professional help. Depending on your extras cover, you may be able to claim towards sessions with a psychologist (up to annual limits).

Explore discounted fitness options

Exercise during pregnancy has a wide range of benefits, from helping to reduce pregnancy complications, to improving your mental health and energy levels. And Medibank members can take advantage of a whole range of discounts to keep them moving.

If the gym is your thing, find out how you can save up to 25% off casual gym visits with Medibank’s gym better and 15% on your Goodlife Health Clubs’ Active Plus membership.

Keep yourself motivated and record your gains with the latest in fitness technology and sports products. Medibank members can get discounts on products such as TomTom sports products – find out more about the offers here.

And remember, before you start making the most of all your perks, check with your doctor about what kind of exercise is safe for you.

Health and wellness advice and inspiration

If expert exercise advice is what you’re after – sign up for Live Better’s weekly pregnancy email. You’ll receive practical pregnancy information, based on your stage of pregnancy.  Or explore Live Better Families for everything from exercise tips, to advice for single dads.

Don’t forget to choose Members Choice

If you are using your extras for physio or dental, don’t forget to choose a Members’ Choice provider so you can be assured of getting a fixed percentage back of charge. This could be 55%, 70%, 85% or 100% depending on your cover^. You can find your nearest Members’ Choice provider here.

 

Talk to us about your pregnancy options

We have a range of growing family packages to suit different needs, preferences and budgets. So if you want to discuss your pregnancy options or your current level of cover, give us a call on 132 331.  


Need a little extra support?

Health Concierge

Whether it’s taking you a little longer to fall pregnant than you expected, or you know you’ll be needing a bit of extra help, Medibank’s Health Concierge service is there to help. You can call 1800 789 414 for support and guidance, available at no extra cost for members with residential hospital cover#. 

Got a health question? 24/7 Medibank nurse phone service

Members with hospital cover can chat to experienced and qualified nurses over the phone to discuss any health questions or concerns and get professional advice on what to do next. Our nurses are available on 1800 644 325~ for round-the-clock health advice.

Optimal me

Medibank has partnered with Monash University to create OptimalMe, a research program designed to help mums-to-be optimise their health before they conceive. The program features tailored health and wellbeing tips and personal guidance on fitness and nutrition. 

If you’re planning to have a baby in the next 12 months you may be eligible to take part.  Find out more here

 
Looking for something else?

Visit Medibank Planning, Pregnancy and Parenting for a range of tools and advice to help you at every stage of your pregnancy journey.


Help the way you want it

Contact us 

Call us on 134 190 to speak to a consultant. Alternatively, chat to us 24/7 online.

Self-service options

Login to MyMedibank or Download the MyMedibank App for self service options.

Find a specialist

Find a specialist or Member's choice hospital using our find a provider tool.  

Things you should know

~ OSHC members should call the Student Health and Support Line on 1800 887 283.

# Health Concierge is available to all eligible Medibank members who hold hospital cover. Excludes Overseas Visitor Health Cover, Working Visa Health Cover and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Some referred services may involve out of pocket costs.

* Eligible members on Medibank extras (excluding Healthy Living Extras and Gold Ultra Health) can claim a maximum of two 100% back dental check-ups per member, per year at a Members’ Choice Advantage provider (including bitewing x-rays where clinically required). For members on eligible extras, the first two check-ups do not count towards your annual limit. Members with Healthy Living Extras can get 100% back on one dental check-up each year at a Members’ Choice Advantage provider (including up to two bitewing x-rays, where clinically required) or at a Members’ Choice provider (excluding x-rays). Members with Gold Ultra Health can get 100% back on up to three dental check-ups at a Members’ Choice or Members’ Choice Advantage provider. Members’ Choice and Members’ Choice Advantage providers are not available in all areas. Two month waiting period applies.Some products may have other dental benefits, check your cover summary for details.

^ For eligible services up to your annual limit.

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).