I'm hapū/pregnant - what now?

The top 5 for my baby to thrive. First 10 weeks of pregnancy and beyond.

  1. Find a midwife
    The first thing that you have to make sure of is to Find a Midwife.  A Midwife is a health professional who looks after pregnant women and their babies from early pregnancy up to six weeks after your baby is born.
    Ring 0800 MUM2BE 0800 686 223
    Contact or drop in to Napier Maternity Resource Centre 234 Kennedy Road. Ph 843 9686
    Phone our Antenatal Clinic and speak with a midwife
    on 06 878 8109 extn 8200 or 8204
    Speak to your friends or GP for a recommendation.
    If you are having problems finding a midwife please either ring maternity on 06 878 8109 extn 6065 or 6067 OR please just drop into maternity services and ask to speak to a midwife, as you think you are pregnant, and we will help you to find a find a midwife.

    If you are a Wairoa mum to be please make contact with a midwife at the Wairoa health centre as soon as you know you are having a baby

  1. Be smokefree
    Stop smoking so your baby has the best possible start in life. We can support you to make it happen. To get started please talk to your midwife, doctor or nurse or ring 0800 300 377.  Being smokefree, not drinking alcohol or taking drugs during pregnancy is very important for your health and the development and growth of your baby.

  2. Blood tests and scans
    There are a number of different early screening tests that you need to be award of and make a decision about - your midwife will talk with you about these. 

  3. Exercise and eat well
    Eating well and staying active help you to stay healthy during your pregnancy and after. Your midwife can help you with this.

  4. Take iodine and folic acid
    It helps support the development of your baby’s spine and brain – these should be taken preferably before or as soon as you know that you are pregnant for at least the first 12 weeks. Your midwife or GP can ensure you have these supplements to take.

When can I expect to see my midwife?

You can expect to see your midwife for the following antenatal (pregnancy) appointments

Booking 6-10 weeks Around 12 weeks 16-18 weeks 20-24 weeks 26-28 weeks 30 weeks  32 weeks 34 weeks 
36 weeks 37 weeks 38 weeks  39 weeks 40 weeks 41 weeks 42 weeks  

If complications arise during your pregnancy, you will be referred to the Maternity Specialist Doctors at the Antenatal Clinic

Postnatal visits (after the birth)

You can expect at least seven to 10 postnatal home visits: the first within 24 hours of arriving home from hospital. Your visits will be tailored to meet your individual needs and you can expect to be visited at least once a week. Your LMC will care for you for four to six weeks after your baby is born. Your well child provider will then continue care.