Loading
Which health service do I need Find a hospital
My Health Record

Labour and birth
Te whakamamae me te whakawhānau pēpi

Find out what happens as you go into labour and when your pēpi is born. There is also information about some of the choices you can make during labour and birth, and danger signs before labour starts.

Where to give birth

You can give birth at home, in a birthing centre, small maternity unit, or hospital. Unless you have complications all these choices are safe.

Assisted vaginal birth

Most babies are born without the help of instruments, but sometimes a doctor will recommend them.

Going into labour

Find out about the signs of labour, what you may feel as labour starts, and the 3 stages of labour.

If labour does not go as planned

Find out what happens if things with your labour or birth do not go as planned, and the options available to you.

Maternity care during and after the birth

Who will be with you during labour and birth, what happens after birth and the first 4 to 6 weeks.

Who to have with you during the birth

Who you have with you at the birth is your choice. Your support person can be your baby’s father, your partner, your whānau or a friend.

Midwife visits

From birth to 6 weeks of age, your midwife will visit regularly to make sure you and pēpi are both healthy and well.

Problems in the week after the birth

Find out about some common problems after birth and how they can be managed.

The first week after the birth

Find out what you can expect in the first week after your pēpi is born.

Normal changes to your body after birth

You can expect some changes to your body straight after your pēpi is born. Find out about bleeding, your tummy and breasts, and going to the toilet.

What to bring to hospital for labour and birth

Pack things like toiletries and comfortable clothing, and essentials for pēpi, like baby clothes and wool or cotton blankets. Leave any valuables at home and bring an approved car seat for pēpi.

Pain relief in labour

Pain is a normal part of the labour process. Many people choose not to have any pain relief during labour. Others choose to have medicines to help with them cope with the sensations. It is your choice whether you have pain relief or not.

Monitoring your blood pressure at home after birth

If you have had high blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy or birth, you will be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home after you have given birth. You will need to do this for at least 7 days. Find out how to measure your blood pressure and when to contact your healthcare provider.

Monitoring your pēpi's heartbeat

Fetal monitoring is when we listen to pēpi’s heartbeat to see how they are coping during labour. If monitoring shows pēpi is not coping, your midwife or doctor will talk to you about options for the birth.

Caring for your whenua

Options for the care, burial or disposal of your whenua.

Caesarean section

Find out what when you give birth via a caesarean section and birth options after a previous caesarean.

Water labour and birth

Using water during labour and birth can reduce pain, make you more comfortable and shorten labour. Talk to your lead maternity carer (or midwife or doctor) about this as part of your birth planning. Pools are available at many maternity units and also in the community for a home birth.
Get QR code
Print
Back to top