Giving Birth
You’re almost there! Now you’ve just got to get the (not-so-little) bundle out… It may seem daunting, but being armed with all the knowledge means you can go into labour prepared and more relaxed about what’s going on.
Things I Wish I Had Known Before Childbirth
Feeling prepared for childbirth? Think again. The reality may be a whole lot different to your expectations ... Read More
What Does 10cm Cervical Dilation Look Like?
Visualising the miracle of birth is not easy. But a 'dilation board' can bring it all into perspective for mums-to-be! ... Read More
Minister cycles to hospital for induction at 42 weeks
Pregnant Minister for Women, Julie Anne Genter, cycled to hospital for her induction at 42 weeks ... Read More
The world waits for NZ’s First Baby
The world awaits the arrival of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's baby. But how long will we have to wait? ... Read More
When’s The Right Time To Start A Family?
There's no hard and fast rule on when the right time to start a family may be. But science offers ... Read More
Bleeding after birth
The amount of bleeding after delivery can be quite frightening, but it’s completely normal and – if you think about ... Read More
Labour signs and braxton hicks
Do you know how to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and real labour pains? ... Read More
Prelabour contractions or first stage labour
Early and active 1st stage contractions are usually defined as pains that come every 2, 3, 4 or 5 minutes ... Read More
What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
From about 8 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus begins to generate small waves of contractions. These are known as Braxton ... Read More
Foetal distress during labour
Foetal distress can occur during pregnancy, or more commonly during labour. Foetal distress can be due to a wide range ... Read More
Acupressure, shiatsu and reflexology for labour
Acupressure, Shiatsu and Reflexology work on similar principles to acupuncture. Learn more about the differences and benefits here ... Read More
Medical methods of induction
There are many medical methods of induction available today, find out more about them here ... Read More
Possible epidural side effects
There are possible side effects of having an epidural, read about what they are here ... Read More
Physical benefits of water births
Water births have many physical benefits, including pain relief and fast dilation of the cervix. Read more about them here ... Read More
Natural ways to induce labour
Several things can be done that might make you have contractions and start your labour, but they'll only work if ... Read More
Pain relief during labour
Find out about the three main medical pain-relieving options during labour and what they may mean for you ... Read More
Choosing Your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC)
Choosing between an obstetrician or midwife may be an easy choice for those with a well-established preference, but for others ... Read More
Birth centre births
Birth centres offer an alternative to public hospitals for giving birth. Find out whether your babys birth would be suited ... Read More
Is it my waters?
It can sometimes be hard for the woman to tell whether her waters have broken or not. If fluid is ... Read More
Reasons for an epidural
Epidurals can be used in labour for many reasons. The following is a list of some of the main reasons ... Read More
What is involved with an epidural?
The following is a step by step guide to what is usually involved with having an epidural anaesthetic for labour ... Read More
About transverse lie
Occasionally (about 1 in every 400 births, or 0.25%) the baby is lying across ways in the uterus, called a ... Read More
Everything you need to know about labour and childbirth
Everything you need to know for all the stages of labour, pain relief, the birth of your baby and more ... Read More
Premature labour
Premature labour occurs when you go into labour before the 37-week mark of your pregnancy. Find reassurance and be prepared ... Read More
5 tips on how to recover from a C-section
The first week after having a C-section is really tricky. Bianca Wordley has some tips to help you recover faster ... Read More
Labour First Stage
Labour occurs in three stages. Find how what happens during labour in the first stage including information about labour contractions ... Read More
Labour terms
Understand your labour and birth better with our guide to labour terms including breech, cesarean, dilation and effacement. Find more ... Read More
6 ways to reduce perineal tearing during birth
Perineal tearing during birth is common but there are ways to reduce the risk of tearing or episiotomy such as ... Read More
Consequences of a fast labour
While fast labours are still regarded as being relatively normal, there are some aspects that tend to be more common ... Read More
Labour Second Stage
Labour occurs in three stages. Find how what happens during labour in the second stage including information about labour contractions ... Read More
Perineal massage
Perineal massage during your pregnancy may prevent tearing or an episiotomy during birth. Find out how to safely perform a ... Read More
Labour third stage
Delivery of the placenta is the third stage of labour. Find more information on delivering the placenta and what happens ... Read More
Hospital births explained
The majority of New Zealand women give birth in hospital and, while you might be told about your choices on ... Read More
Labour and birth aids
Labour and birth aids help you give birth with comfort. Find how what happens during labour and birth and the ... Read More
Having A Safe Home Birth
Home births are not common for childbirth in New Zealand. But having a home birth can be a safe option ... Read More
Water Birth
Water births are a popular birthing option for pregnant women as giving birth in water will reduce stress on both ... Read More
Cervix Ready For Labour?
If you are being considered for induction, how ready or 'ripe' your cervix is will likely be assessed. For most ... Read More
Vaginal breech birth
The following information describes the birth process of babies born vaginally in a breech position ... Read More
Tips For Inducing Labour
Mums have top tips on way to bring on labour naturally. Avoid a hospital labour induction by trying these ideas ... Read More
Great First Stage Labour
Everything you need to know about for a great first stage of labour, from contractions, hydration, waters breaking and first-stage ... Read More
Coping With Contractions
Coping with contractions can be helped using natural assistance during contractions as well as drugs during contractions. Find reassurance and ... Read More
Disadvantages Of VBAC
The options of VBAC and repeat Caesarean hold certain risks for complications. The main health complication that is possible for ... Read More
VBAC: What You Should Know
VBAC, or vaginal birth after caesarean, is a birth option. Caesarean deliveries in New Zealand are at 30% but vaginal ... Read More
Homebirth – What To Consider
Preparation for a homebirth Check with your midwife or caregiver, they may wish you to leave out or add things ... Read More
Internal Examination And Cervical Dilation
When a woman's cervix thins during labour it is referred to as effacing. When her cervix is opening it is ... Read More
Timing Contractions
Timing contractions from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next one, this tells you how far apart ... Read More
Assisted Conception
If you're trying to get pregnant or about to our guide to getting pregnant provides you with the necessary information ... Read More
Packing For Hospital
By around 36 weeks you will want to have your bags all packed ready for the trip to hospital to ... Read More
Need An Episiotomy?
Whether you will 'need' an episiotomy will very much depend on the way your individual caregiver practises and their beliefs ... Read More
Natural Birth
A natural birth means a vaginal delivery without drugs or medical interventions such as an epidural, pethidine or a caesarian ... Read More
Labour And Childbirth Fears
Common labour and birth fears during pregnancy. During pregnancy it is common to have fears about labour and child birth ... Read More