Choosing 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.

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.

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 options for 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 pēpi's heartbeat during labour (fetal monitoring)

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.

Group B streptococcus in newborn babies

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is quite a common and normal germ (bacteria) in a woman's bowel or vagina. Around 10% to 30% of women have it from time to time. Babies can pick up GBS before or during birth. It can cause serious illness, but this is rare.

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.

Perineal tear

It is common for the area between the vagina and anus to tear during childbirth. This is called a perineal tear.

Placenta

Find out about the placenta, problems that can happen and options for its care, burial or disposal after your pēpi is born.

Premature birth and care of your pēpi

Premature pēpi (babies) are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature pēpi can have a range of problems and often need special care in a neonatal unit.