Blog article

6 ways extras cover can help during pregnancy

By HBF
4 minutes
3 March 2022
Pregnant woman eating fruit and yoghurt
Your body goes through some incredible changes during pregnancy. Here’s how health insurance can help you with some self-care essentials.

Pregnancy is an exciting time and there are a lot of changes happening in your body.

That can mean some of your health and wellbeing needs change too, and you may find you need a little extra support to keep you feeling healthy, comfortable and energised.

Here are a few steps you can take for a healthy, happy pregnancy, and some of the ways extras cover can help support your wellbeing along the way.


In this article


1. Healthy eating

Healthy eating is always important for your health and wellbeing, and if you’re pregnant it’s important for you and your baby.1

As your baby grows, you should aim to eat a wide variety of healthy foods to make sure you’re both getting the vitamins and minerals you need each day.1

A few things to focus on including in your diet include:1

How can health insurance help?

HBF extras cover can include:

Busting nutrition myths for pregnancy

2. Exercise

Staying active during pregnancy is important for both your body and mind. However, changes in your body during pregnancy can mean that some exercises may need to be modified.2

It’s important to always listen to your body. Depending on the level of activity you were doing before pregnancy you might vary the intensity of your exercise – in general a light to moderate exercise program should be the aim.2

For the best health benefits, it’s recommended to do a mix of:2

Your GP can give you some guidance on safe and appropriate exercise during pregnancy and refer you to another health professional if needed.

How can health insurance help?

HBF extras cover can include:

3. Mental health and wellbeing

Preparing to welcome a baby into your world can come with a whole range of emotions – excitement, fear, joy, stress and anxiety to name a few.3

But if your feelings become difficult to cope with or you feel like you need some extra support, it’s important to reach out for help.3

It’s common for both men and women to experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety while expecting a baby.3

A good first step is to talk to your GP. They can offer some support and guidance and refer you to a mental health professional if needed.

How can health insurance help?

HBF extras cover can include:

4. Aches and pains

Aches and pains during pregnancy are common. In particular, the changes in your body can put stress on your back, neck, shoulders and abdominal muscles.4

A few things that may help if you’re experiencing backache or other pains and discomforts include stretching, gentle exercise and pregnancy massage.5

How can health insurance help?

HBF extras cover can include:

5. Pelvic floor 

As your baby grows, the weight can put pressure on your pelvic floor, the muscles that support your bladder.7

This can lead to stress incontinence (accidental leakage of urine, most commonly when you cough, sneeze, lift something, or exercise).7

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy can help reduce this, and can also help to reduce or avoid stress incontinence after the baby is born.7 

How can health insurance help?

HBF extras cover can include:

6. Dental care

It’s important that you continue to care for your teeth and gums throughout your pregnancy and see your dentist during this time.8

Your dental health can play a big role in your overall health, and therefore your baby’s health.8

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect your gums, causing them to become easily irritated, inflamed and tender.8

If this happens, visit your dentist as soon as you can so they can check your teeth and gums and advise you on how to care for any issues.8

How can health insurance help?

HBF extras cover can include:

What am I covered for?

It’s important to know that different HBF extras cover products may not cover all of these services mentioned, and annual limits apply.

If you’re an HBF member, you can check what you're covered for by logging on to myHBF or calling us on 133 423.


1Better Health Channel – Pregnancy and diet (2021)

2Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – Exercising during pregnancy (2021)

3Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – Mental wellbeing during pregnancy (2019)

4Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – Pregnancy massage (2021)

5Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – Backache in pregnancy (2020)

6Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – Complementary therapy during pregnancy (2019)

7Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – Pelvic floor exercises (2020)

8Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – Looking after your teeth during pregnancy (2020)



This article contains general information only and does not take into account the health, personal situation or needs of any person. In conjunction with your GP or treating health care professional, please consider whether the information is suitable for you and your personal circumstances.