Pregnancy and birth - your one stop guide

Mum's health

It’s a fact that mum’s health affects the health and wellbeing of her baby. Plus, the health of a baby at birth can impact on their wellbeing for the rest of their lives. Give your baby a great start and he or she has the best chance at thriving. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle and attending your antenatal appointments, of which you’ll have at least seven.

Statistics

30.6

The average age of Australian women who give birth.

33%

One in three mums have a caesarean section.

26%

Around one in four mums give birth in a private hospital.

51%

Baby boys slightly outnumber baby girls (49%).

Latest pregnancy and birth articles

After having my son, I struggled breastfeeding. I contacted CBHS to discuss services available to support me. I was guided into finding a lactation specialist who could help me navigate the early stages of motherhood and was advised on other benefits I could be entitled to such as breast pump under my Extras cover.

It helped me get the support I needed during a very emotional journey and save money on the services and equipment I needed. So grateful for the guidance!

Christine D

Two years ago, I suffered a miscarriage at 10 weeks and went into hospital. $100 co-payment and that was it. Three months later, I was pregnant again. This time rushed to hospital by ambulance at six weeks with an ectopic emergency. This resulted in surgery which perforated my stomach. I had to stay in hospital five days. CBHS cover meant I just paid the $100 co-payment per day again and such peace of mind at a horrible time.

We are now four rounds of IVF down and CBHS has been holding my hand the whole way like an old friend. You can’t get better cover for cheaper and the service is phenomenal.

Wendy H

Pregnancy and birth programs and support

Pregnancy, birth and your cover

Got questions about how it all works and what you’re covered for? That’s natural. See our guide to private health cover and pregnancy. It’s also helpful to know what you’re looking for if you’re planning a family.

Online midwifery services

If you hold CBHS Prestige (Gold) or Top Extras you are able to claim benefits towards pre and post-natal care from a midwife including services delivered online. Online services include ante-natal and post-natal consultations, lactation consultations and baby settling classes. You may also consider participating in online programs by CBHS recognised providers such as Birth Beat and Nourish Baby, which are claimable under your Extras cover. Check out more about online education.

Finding an obstetrician

To have your baby at most private hospitals, you will need to have an obstetrician. Discuss what you’re looking for in an obstetrician with your GP, and he or she can provide some recommendations. You can check our Healthshare database to see if the obstetrician participates in CBHS Access Gap cover and an average gap estimate based on past member experiences. Find a specialist near you.

_Sources

_{https://www.aihw.gov.au}
_{https://ranzcog.edu.au}
_{https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/exercising-during-pregnancy}
_{https://npesu.unsw.edu.au/data-collection/australian-new-zealand-assisted-reproduction-database-anzard}
_{https://www.fertilitysociety.com.au/patients-information/patient-information-2/}
_{https://www.cbhs.com.au/Health-Well-Being-Blog/blog-article/2020/03/20/understanding-gestational-diabetes}

_{All information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The information provided should not be relied upon as medical advice and does not supersede or replace a consultation with a suitably qualified health care professional.}

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