Loading
Home
Languages
Log in to My Health Record

Te hapūtanga me ngā tamariki

Pregnancy and children

Find out about pregnancy, labour and birth, and caring for your tamariki during their first 5 years.

KidsHealth

KidsHealth provides accurate and reliable information for New Zealand parents and whānau about the health and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa.

KidsHealth

Pregnancy and immunisations

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

Finding out you are pregnant

When you find out you are pregnant it can be hard to know what to do next.

Abortion

If you are pregnant and do not want to continue with the pregnancy, you have the option of an abortion. This is a well-established, safe healthcare procedure and is a free service for most New Zealand citizens and residents.

Lead maternity carers

A lead maternity carer is responsible for your care throughout your pregnancy, labour and birth. They also care for you and your pēpi (baby) until pēpi is 6 weeks old.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage is a pregnancy that ends on its own before 20 weeks. It is most likely to happen in the first 12 weeks.

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.

Screening

Antenatal and newborn screening tests to find health conditions that can affect you or your pēpi.

Having a healthy pregnancy

Keeping healthy, symptoms and complications, getting ready for your pēpi, and preparing for the birth.

Labour and birth

What happens as you go into labour, during birth, and after your pēpi is born.

Taking care of your baby

Advice and information that will help you look after your new baby.

Your health after birth

It is important not to forget to take care of yourself after birth. Find out about postnatal checks, support at home, and your physical and mental wellbeing.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding, breast milk and donated breast milk information for parents.

The first year

Immunisations, coping with crying and sickness, feeding, changes to your body, postnatal depression, teething, and poos.

Caring for tamariki under 5

Caring for your tamariki from 1 to 5 years of age.

Food and choking

Tips on developing children's chewing and swallowing skills, and how to reduce the risk of choking.

Well Child Tamariki Ora

The Well Child Tamariki Ora programme is a series of health visits and support that are free to all families for tamariki (children) from around 6 weeks up to 5 years of age.

Childhood illnesses

Information on childhood illnesses.

Pregnancy, birth and children services

Services and support if you are pregnant, giving birth and raising children.