Pregnancy and immunisations

When you are pregnant, we recommend you are immunised against whooping cough, flu and COVID-19. Find what immunisations you need if you are planning a pregnancy, pregnant or when your newborn arrives.

Pregnancy vaccines

Antenatal classes

Find out about antenatal classes, who offers them, when to book, and what things the classes cover.

Exercise during pregnancy

Talk to your midwife about how much and what types of exercise you can do safely while you are pregnant.

Getting ready for your pēpi

No matter where you give birth, there are things you should think about before your pēpi is born, and how to get your home ready.

Eating well when pregnant

Eating well when you are pregnant is important for you and your baby's health. Your nutritional needs are higher when you are pregnant.

Morning sickness

Feeling sick and throwing up is often called morning sickness. It is very common and may be the first sign you are pregnant.

Medicines and pregnancy

Many medicines are safe to take during pregnancy but some can harm your pēpi. You should talk with your midwife or doctor about any medicines you take and check before taking any new ones.

Multiple pregnancy

Every year in Aotearoa around 1,000 whānau find themselves expecting twins, triplets, and sometimes even more pēpi.

Preeclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that can affect both you and your pēpi. It only happens during pregnancy and usually develops later in pregnancy. It causes high blood pressure and damage to some of your organs.

Nutrients and supplements in pregnancy

Find out about supplements, such as folic acid, iodine and Vitamin D, that you should take to give your pēpi the best chance of being healthy.

Perineal massage

The perineum is the area between the vagina and anus. This area stretches during childbirth. Regular massage from 35 weeks can help the perineum stretch more easily.

Pregnancy and immunisations

Find what immunisations you need if you are planning a pregnancy, pregnant or when your newborn arrives.

Pregnancy and your baby's movements

Your pēpi (baby) will be active during your entire pregnancy. You will first start to feel them move when you are between 16 and 22 weeks pregnant. Find out what to expect.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs when you are pregnant

If you think you are pregnant, are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, stop smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs.

Your baby and your body

Learn about how your pēpi develops, and changes to your body.

Support if you are young and pregnant

Thinking that you might be pregnant can be exciting and scary. There are lots of services to support pregnant parents.

Supporting your pregnant whānau member

Find out about changes in pregnancy, how you can support your pregnant whānau member, and how to be ready for baby’s birth.

Turning a breech baby by external cephalic version (ECV)

An External Cephalic Version (ECV) is a procedure to turn a breech baby into a head-down position before birth. Find out who can have ECV, how it's done, success rates, risks, and what happens after having an ECV.