Midwife visits

Throughout your pregnancy you can expect to see me at clinic (274 Te Atatu Rd), for booking (around 8-9 weeks), then 17, 25, 28, and 31 weeks (when a birth plan will be completed). You will be booked to meet Nikky, the back up midwife, at 33 weeks. You then continue to see me every two weeks until baby is born. If your history or developing pregnancy indicates a need, you may be seen more often (sometimes by me or sometimes by staff at the hospital).
Each appointment is allotted 20 minutes with the exception of the birth planning which can sometimes take longer. At all appointments I check your blood pressure and record your weight. After 12 weeks we also listen to your baby's heart rate. From 25 weeks you check your urine for glucose and protein (see nzapc.com to understand why) and I will measure your tummy. After each appointment I will email you a copy of your notes. I will also email you copies of results of any tests I order. I will phone you after the 12 and 20 week scan to discuss any findings.
At times, I may be unavailable for clinic at short notice due to caring for a woman in labour. I may try to arrange another midwife to see you but if I am unable to do so, I will contact you. Please keep your phone close by on clinic days. I often text to reschedule appointments.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment. Re-booking can be difficult as I book weeks in advance. Please do not attend if you are unwell, I can sometimes offer a phone consult instead. 

Know the potentially life threatening midwifery emergencies - read the information in contacting your midwife (here)

First trimester

Second Trimester

Booking 8-9 weeks

• See the previous section for information you need to read before this appointment​ - here
• You must now be familiar with when to contact your midwife.
• SMILE
• Your pregnancy booklet 
• Other information at smartstart (0-14 weeks)
  • your developing pregnancy
  • Information for Dads
  • Information for teens
  • Information on pregnancy and parenting without a partner
  • Exercise (under health)
  • Mental wellness and anxiety

EARLY SCREENING RESULTS - if you complete this test I will phone you with results. It usually takes one week from when both the blood test and scan are completed

HOSPITAL BOOKING - around this time (after the 12 week scan) I generally register you at the hospital. You will likely get some form of correspondence from them. Even if you are planning a home birth I will register you there. This means that if you need any input throughout pregnancy or labour, getting that help is a smoother easier process. Most times this is not needed but if it is, having the registration saves a lot of time and confusion.

17 weeks

• Vaccination in pregnancy (Whooping cough, flu and COVID)
• Antenatal depression. Click here to complete a questionnaire. This score can tell us if you need extra support now or provide a baseline for checking in after baby is born. 
• Antenatal/child birth education classes
• Other information on smartstart (15-30 weeks)
  • Paid parental leave links 
  • Best start payments (not income tested)
  • Financial assistance and planning
  • Information for twins and triplets 
  • Guidance on helping siblings adjust

​ANATOMY SCAN RESULTS - I will call you to discuss your result. A repeat is sometimes requested, this is often because the views are incomplete not due to any problems. Dont be concerned.

25 weeks

• Blood Tests and chlamydia swabs. Read here to know more about diabetes in pregnancy testing
• Baby movements. 
• Sleeping on your side to reduce risk of still birth. 
• Breastfeeding. Start here, download the BreastfedNZ app and book in for the breastfeeding workshop.

Special Mentions

High BMI in pregnancy - If you have a high BMI (over 38) you may be advised to give birth at NSH. We will discuss this at your booking appointment

Rhesus negative blood type - If you are a negative blood type (I will advise if you are), you will be offered prophylactic anti-D to protect future pregnancies. Please read this pamphlet for a better understanding. 
​
​Back and pelvic pain - This is common in pregnancy and tends to become worse as pregnancy progresses. Read ways to help avoid and relieve back pain here. If it is affecting your ability to perform every day life activities I recommend a Belly Band and I can refer to the maternity physiotherapist. If you can afford to see a chiropractor or osteopath many women find that very helpful.

Third trimester 

During the third trimester the focus shifts to birth and preparing to care for your baby

28 weeks

• After this appointment head to the Your birth section
• Read the section that applies to you (vaginal or surgical birth) and fill in the form on line. Remember to complete the depression score first.

31 weeks

• at this appointment we record your birth preferences and answer any questions you have 
• ​it can be useful to have your support person attending this appointment as well so they get a full understanding of your preferences.
• Your support people should ensure they are well informed about the birth process and confident in your choices so they can focus on supporting you. Labour is not the time to deal with other peoples fears or doubts.​​​

33 weeks

• You will be booked to see Nikky for this appointment. She has clinic on a THURSDAY (in the same rooms).

35 weeks

• Time to learn about what to expect in your own body after birth - You're a Mum.  
• What happens once baby comes home? The Your Baby section has information about the routine screening and health advice for your baby. Have a read through the information and refer back to this section as needed after baby is born to know what is normal in a newborn. Fill in the checklist.
• Attend the breastfeeding workshop - book now if you haven't already done so

37 and 39 weeks

• After 37 weeks your baby is considered "term" or ready to be born. It is easy to become impatient so this is a good time to research and practice your relaxation techniques. 

41 weeks

• At 41 weeks you will be offered a "stretch and sweep" to encourage labour. This is a vaginal examination that takes place during your normal midwife appointment. 

Special mentions

For more information on each of the following subjects click on the name to open a pamphlet. Group B strep, Induction of labour, Breech 
You will only need to read this information if you have been advised they apply to you.