This is an anxious time for women and families expecting a baby. Here is some information that may help you to understand how Covid-19 may affect pregnant women. Information and advice is updated as new research is available. These links are also reliable sources of information for women and their whānau: Ministry of Health: https://covid19.govt.nz/ NZ College of Midwives: https://www.midwife.org.nz/ Healthline: 0800 611 116 COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 640.9 KB) Practical support for pregnant women and new mums.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 444.7 KB)

Pregnant? Now is a great time to keep your baby healthy. Following the five SMILE actions is the best way to keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy. It’s a simple way to remember what’s most important during this exciting time. Your midwife or specialist doctor is the best person to talk to about your individual care. The SMILE campaign was developed by the Waitemata and Auckland DHBs with input from pregnant women, midwives, obstetricians and GPs. https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/public/maternity/smile-pregnancy-care-actions/ Smile Pregnancy Information.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 3 MB)

Give babies and toddlers a HEALTHY start to every day! Come join in the fun, meet other mums, learn some great tips or relax and enjoy a hot cuppa! Healthy Babies Healthy Futures (HBHF) specialises in teaching mums how to buy, prepare, and cook the healthiest and tastiest dishes for all the family to enjoy. We bring you FREE fun activities like yoga, walking, box fit, tai chi, Pilates and meditation all at your own pace! Join a FREE Healthy Babies Healthy Futures programme today! Featuring our exclusive text messaging programme that sends you FREE health advice suited to baby’s development. Call us, to talk about babies’ health goals and which programme can help you! Danielle 09 822 8010 or text 022 657 8189 Fangfang 09 570 1188 ext 330 Maria 09 838 0743 Bushra 09 815 2331 Healthy Babies Healthy Futures .pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 1.8 MB)

Having blood tests early on in your pregnancy can help protect you and those close to you. These tests are free. It is best to have the tests as soon as you know you are pregnant. They are offered to all pregnant women including those who decide not to continue with the pregnancy. Routine Blood Tests Six different tests are currently offered. These are usually carried out at the same time so you only have one set of blood taken. These tests are: Blood group and rhesus factor Full blood count Rubella Syphilis Hepatitis B HIV For further information please click here

Screening for Downs Syndrome and other chromasomal (genetic) abnormalities is now routinely offered. Women are advised to undergo some risk screening prior to any diagnostic screening as there are risks associated with invasive screening methods. Risk screening tests - there are two tests available, one in the first trimester and one in the second trimester. Please see the National Screening Unit website for details www.nsu.govt.nz Diagnostic tests - these should only be recommended to women with a high risk of chromasomal (genetic) abnormality. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) involves taking a small sample of the chorionic villi, which are the tiny units that make up the placenta. Using ultrasound as a guide, the sample is obtained by inserting a cannula up through the vagina and cervix (transcervical) or by inserting a needle in through your stomach (transabdominal). Amniocentesis involves taking a small sample of amniotic fluid from around the foetus with a needle introduced through the stomach. Both these tests carry a risk of miscarriage.

The aim of HIV testing in pregnancy is to identify HIV infection in pregnant women. Since 2000, approximately 18 children in New Zealand have contracted HIV because it was undetected during pregnancy in their mothers. Screening for HIV is recommended for all pregnant women. The screening test for HIV is offered at the same time as other routine antenatal blood tests (Rhesus factor and blood cell antibodies, full blood count, hepatitis B, rubella and syphilis). One sample of blood can be used for all the tests. The health professional who requested the blood test will provide you with your results. Most pregnant women will not have HIV. Screening results: A reactive screening result does not mean you have HIV if you get a reactive screening result you will be asked to provide another blood sample the second sample will tell you for sure whether you have HIV in most cases women who get a reactive screening test will not have HIV. Positive confirmatory (second) HIV tests: if your HIV confirmatory test is positive, you have HIV professional advice, help and support will be given to help you to look after your health, your baby’s health and that of your partner, family or whanau. you will be referred to a specialist for care and treatment for your HIV in many cases your LMC will continue to provide your pregnancy care. Informed consent for antenatal screening Informed consent, informed choice or informed decision making are important components of screening during pregnancy. Health practitioners need to take the time to clearly explain to women what the screening tests mean and the steps along the screening pathway, before they are faced with an unexpected result. It is important women have the opportunity to be provided with sufficient information to think about the potential decisions they might need to make along the pathway before agreeing to participate in screening. Women may choose to include their family and whanau to support them to make their decisions. HIV Testing in Pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 191.2 KB) English HIV Testing in Pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 215.7 KB) Chinese (Simplified) HIV Testing in Pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 190.8 KB) Chinese (Traditional) HIV Testing in Pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 209.6 KB) Hindi HIV Testing in Pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 337.7 KB) Korean HIV Testing in Pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 112 KB) Māori HIV Testing in Pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 114.3 KB) Samoan HIV Testing in Pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 111 KB) Swahili HIV Testing in Pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 112.5 KB) Tongan

The Early Pregnancy Clinic at North Shore Hospital sees women up to 19 weeks pregnant who have a confirmed pregnancy loss on ultrasound. Women must be well and have minimal symptoms. Self referrals are not accepted, all women need to be referred by either their GP or Lead Maternity Carer. All women being referred should have had a referral letter, blood test results and scan report(s) sent by the referring health professional prior to their first clinic appointment. Women may be asked to do further blood tests before they are seen in clinic. Clinic Location & Times Clinics run Monday – Friday afternoons from 1pm. Women should report to the Ground Floor Reception of the Elective Surgical Centre at North Shore Hospital for their clinic appointment. Women will be seen in the clinic for an initial appointment to discuss treatment options and arrange a treatment plan. They do not need to attend the clinic fasting as this will be a consultative appointment only. Treatment, where appropriate, will be arranged for another day. Vaginal Bleeding and/or Pain in the First Trimester of Pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 150.1 KB)

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning, is a method of obtaining pictures from inside the human body through the use of high frequency sound waves. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialised use of this technique to observe your unborn baby while it is inside your uterus (womb). The sound waves are emitted from a hand-held nozzle, which is placed on your stomach, and reflection of these sound waves is displayed as an image of the moving foetus (unborn baby) on a monitor screen. No x-rays are involved in ultrasound imaging. Assessment of the foetus can help to detect major abnormalities in the baby, however not all abnormalities can be detected in this way. Ultrasound measurements can also help determine the size and growth of the baby and help to confirm the estimated due date.

The following pamphlet helps guide you about baby movements in pregnancy, and when to call your LMC. Baby Movements in Pregnancy.docx.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 305.4 KB)

Our team of specialised midwives work with you, and our obstetricians and obstetric physicians to provide you excellent care that will help ensure the best health for you and your baby. Diabetes in pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 537.8 KB) Healthy eating for diabetes in pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 6.5 MB) Suggested meal plan - Chinese.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 146 KB) Suggested meal plan - Indian.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 143.5 KB) Suggested meal plan.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 147.3 KB) HbA1c test.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 265.9 KB) Metformin in pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 769.5 KB) Insulin treatment in pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 780.3 KB) Managing your diabetes - Caesareans.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 115.9 KB)

High blood pressure or pre-eclampsia can affect up to 10% of pregnant women. Your midwife will regularly check you for developing signs of either of these conditions and refer you to see our obstetricians if needed. It is important to let your LMC know if you have any of the following symptoms: Severe headache Problems with vision, such as blurring or flashing before the eyes Severe pain on the top right hand side of your tummy Vomiting Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet. Low dose aspirin and calcium.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 980.4 KB)

Information on how to help your breech baby to turn head down and birth choices if your baby remains in the breech position. Breech Baby (PDF, 424.4 KB) Information for parents with a breech baby. Includes information on turning your breech baby.

Some women may be recommended to have an induction of labour for medical reasons or if your pregnancy continues for more than 41 weeks. Any recommendation for an induction will be discussed with you by your LMC and obstetrician. Induction of Labour (PDF, 233.7 KB) Induction of labour (Chinese) (PDF, 1.1 MB) Going home with a balloon catheter (DOCX, 741.4 KB)

Giving birth can be an exciting but anxious time. Please talk with your LMC about your choices for labour and birth. We also run free and regular antenatal classes which can provide you with extra information. Your labour - What you need to know (PDF, 2.1 MB) Your labour - What you need to know (Chinese) (PDF, 2.4 MB) Strategies for managing labour (PDF, 1.1 MB) Labour and birth in water (PDF, 637.9 KB) Perineal massage (PDF, 395.8 KB) Group B streptoccocus infection (PDF, 1.3 MB) Epidurals in labour (PDF, 233.1 KB) Third and fourth degree tears during childbirth (PDF, 268.3 KB) Your baby's whenua (Placenta) (PDF, 782 KB)

Some women require a planned caesarean section for a number of reasons. If you are having a planned caesarean section you may find it helpful to know what to expect before the day arrives. The video below discusses what to expect and ways to improve recovery Your planned caesarean section leaflet (PDF, 936.4 KB)

Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Waitematā provides a range of resources to assist mothers to initiate and maintain breastfeeding for their babies. Lactation consultants are also available on referral - please discuss with your lead maternity carer (LMC). Pregnancy and parenting education and breastfeeding classes are available. Breastfeeding beginners guide.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 889.3 KB) Breastfeeding beginners guide (Chinese).pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 1.1 MB) Breastfeeding beginners guide (Thai).pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 684.5 KB) Breastfeeding information for Grandparents (Chinese).pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 1.4 MB) Expressing and storing colostrum in pregnancy.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 582.2 KB) How to use a nipple shield.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 113.1 KB) Sharing breastmilk.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 524 KB)

These groups are led by the Pacific Cultural Liaison Co-ordinator together with a Lactation Consultant. Open to all Pacifica antenatal and postnatal mums and families who want to know more about breastfeeding. Shared lunch provided. We can also help you find a midwife if you need help. When: Dates for 2023 are July 20, September 21, November 16 Time: Groups run from 10am until 1pm Venue: Rānui Community Centre - 474 Swanson Road, Rānui Note: We also visit mums at home alternate Thursdays with a lactation consultant. Dates for home visits are: June 18th and 22nd, July 6th, August 10th and 24th, October 12th and 26th, November 2nd. Contact Galu if you would like to attend or for more information - 021 286 1686 Galuafi Lui Profile.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 100.1 KB) Titfaitama Pregnancy .png.png.png.png.png.png.png (PNG, 331.8 KB)

Make every sleep a safe sleep for all infants, and reduce the rate of SUDI in the Northern Region. SUDI means the Sudden Unexpected Death of an Infant (previously called cot death, SIDS, and other terms) Safe Sleep Guideline.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 187.2 KB)

The aim of the UNHSEIP (Universal Newborn Hearing Screening & Early Intervention Programme) is for early identification of newborns with hearing loss. The programme ensures that they can access timely and appropriate interventions, inequalities are reduced and the outcomes for these children, their families and whanau, communities and society are improved. The core goals of the UNHSEIP are described as "1-3-6" goals which are based on international programme measures. Your Baby will be screened by 1 month of age, this is usually done while you are in one of Waitemata birthing units, or at an outpatient appointment at the 4 sites, look at the attached pamphlet for details and photos of a hearing screen. Audiology assessment if required is sent to Audiology at Greenlane with your baby having an appointment by 3 months of age. Initiation of appropriate medical and audiological services and Early Intervention education services by 6 months of age. Screening for hearing loss is strongly recommended for all newborn babies because: research tells us that if we find out a baby has a hearing loss early, we can begin interventions and improve a child's ability to develop language and speech and to learn and develop social skills the test itself is simple and safe and won't cause your baby or you any discomfort. It just takes a few minutes of your time. there are two teams of Newborn hearing screeners at Waitemata. For any queries and appointments for your baby please call 0800 864 734. To directly contact the facility closest to you phone: West Auckland & Helensville, Phone: 021 227 5639 or 0800 864 734 North Shore & Warkworth, Phone: (09) 486 8920 ext 47188 To access NBHS pamphlets available on line in languages listed below click on the link: Health New Zealand - NBHS Maori, Samoan, Tongan, Korean, Hindi, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese Newborn Hearing Screening .pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 585.7 KB)

Clinical pathway to assist and support LMCs. Assessment Pathway.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 551.8 KB) Neonatal assessment of the hips

Routine Anti-D should be offered to all Rh negative women at 28 and 34 weeks gestation. Please see attached guideline for the referral process. Anti-D Guideline (PDF, 757.4 KB) Waitemata Anti D guideline Anti D Leaflet (PDF, 527.2 KB) Anti D consumer information leaflet for rhesus negative pregnant women