Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a rollercoaster. On any given day, big feels can pop up at random – elation, contentment, overwhelm, sadness, boredom or even The Fear.

Your physical experience may be equally up and down – nausea and fatigue one day, glowing Earth Mother the next. And a mix of other curious niggles, aches and pains along the way.

Fortunately, there are lots of support services that can soothe mind and body, during this ‘special time’ and after your little darling has exited your body!     

How Extras cover can support you

While Hospital cover does most of the heavy lifting, Extras can be very useful too. Here's why:

Top Extras

For ante- and post-natal specifics, Top Extras is the way to go. In addition to the stuff in Mid Extras (below), you can also claim towards:

• Pregnancy compression garments*
• Ante- or post-natal physio
• Ante-natal classes
• Lactation nurse
• Breast pumps^.

Mid Extras

Mid Extras includes a wide array of other benefits that may be helpful, including:

• Physio
• Chiro
• Osteo
• Psychology
• Dietitian
• Massage.

And everyday healthcare you may want to get sorted before baby comes, such as:

• Dental
• Optical.

For a side-by-side comparison of Extras benefits, and waiting period info, see our Product Benefits Guide.

New Families Program

Available to eligible members^# with Hospital cover, the New Families Program offers:

• Online antenatal and early parenting courses
• Phone support from an Early Parenting Consultant
• Welcome pack with a helpful guide, and infant massage fact sheet with expert advice from allied health professionals.

External resources

Most of these sites are government-funded or supported; all are trusted sources of info:

• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – run by Healthdirect, this one focuses on the early years, through to preschool. 
  
  
• raisingchildren.net.au – one-stop shop for families, from preparing for a baby through to adulthood!
  
  
• Healthdirect – head to the pregnancy section for solid facts on a range of ante- and post-natal health issues.
  
  
• Jean Hailes – comprehensive women’s health resource with sections on struggling to conceive, the emotions around fertility problems and infertility treatment.
  
  
• Your Fertility – information and tools to help you improve your chances of having a baby.
  
  
• PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia supports women, men and families affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and the first year of parenthood. 
  
  
• Sands – this volunteer-run service supports families experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn death, including a 24-hour hotline.

*TGA-approved recovery shorts and leggings only (i.e. no sports-related or body enhancing garments).

^Breast pumps must be bought from an Australian-based retailer (with an ABN), as we can’t pay claims for overseas purchases.

^#This program is brought to members through Teachers Healthcare Services ('Healthcare Services'), an initiative of Teachers Health to support members’ health and wellbeing through quality, evidence-based health management programs and services. To be eligible for this program you must be a member of Teachers Health and have Hospital cover with all relevant waiting periods served (i.e. Pregnancy and birth). Additional eligibility criteria may apply. Eligible members are connected with a dedicated Healthcare Services care coordinator who supports them on their personal journey.