Te kite kua hapū koe Finding out you are pregnant
When you find out you are pregnant it can be hard to know what to do next.
Pregnancy care
Pregnancy care is free in Aotearoa New Zealand if you:
- are a New Zealand citizen
- have permanent residency
- have a 2 year work permit
- are eligible in another way.
Eligibility for publicly funded healthcare — Health New Zealand (external link)
If you are not sure if you are eligible for free maternity care, call the maternity helpline for free on 0800 686 223
Find a lead maternity carer
When you find out you are pregnant it is important to find a lead maternity carer. They will care for you:
- during pregnancy
- during labour and the birth
- after your pēpi (baby) is born.
Why early pregnancy care is important
It is never too early to start your pregnancy care. Here are some reasons why you should find care early in your pregnancy.
- To confirm you are pregnant and when your pēpi is due.
- To explain the options you have for your pregnancy, caregivers and services.
- To review your health, including medical and mental health.
- To support you to make healthy lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking, and what foods to avoid.
- To prescribe supplements, such as iron that can help you and your pēpi.
- To explain screening options for Down syndrome and other conditions, and test for infections you might have that could affect the pregnancy and your pēpi.
- To help with social stresses such as family violence and any other pregnancy concerns.
Before your first appointment with your lead maternity carer
Before you have you next with your LMC for the first time, you can prepare for pregnancy and give your pēpi the best start in life.
Start taking these as soon as you are pregnant if you are not already. They help the baby's brain and spinal cord develop normally. You can get them directly over the counter at your chemist or your healthcare provider can prescribe these.
Nutrients and supplements (internal link)
What you eat while pregnant can have long term effects on your baby's health. The best evidence shows that you and your pēpi are more likely to thrive if you eat a variety of healthy foods. Junk food, dieting or missing meals will not help you or your pēpi.
Healthy food and drinks (internal link)
Continue your usual level of physical activity. Being fit and feeling healthy is really important for you and your pēpi.
Some medicines can harm your developing pēpi. Check with your healthcare provider that any prescribed medications you are on are safe in pregnancy.
Alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs during pregnancy affect the baby's wellbeing.
There is no known safe level of alcohol use in pregnancy, so it is better to avoid alcohol altogether.
Recreational drugs can cause babies many problems, including being born drug dependent. These babies need expert management.
Smoking, alcohol and drugs (internal link)
Pregnancy and parenting classes
Register for pregnancy and parenting (antenatal) classes. These are for parents and whānau.
Your choices
Finding out you are pregnant is different for everyone.
If you are pregnant, there are different options available to you:
- parenting — either with a partner or alone
- adoption or foster care
- abortion — a safe procedure that intentionally ends a pregnancy.
You might know which option you would like to choose, or you might find this decision more difficult or complex.
If you are pregnant and are not sure whether you want to continue with the pregnancy, there is support available for you. You can contact a healthcare provider to discuss your options, including continuing a pregnancy or abortion. You can also access counselling that is unbiased and non-judgmental.