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CONTINUE PREGNANCY

maybe you are ready to be a parent

There is always the option of continuing this pregnancy if you believe it is right for you. 

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You are allowed to feel excited, nervous, so-so (or any other emotion) as this is where you are at in this moment. 

Ultrasound

what we recommend

Check out the steps below for a healthy pregnancy for you and your pēpē/baby 

sign up with a midwife OR GP​

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Your midwife or GP will organise your pregnancy care. They will refer you to the correct professionals if there are any complications. 

  • Midwives are amazing. Have a look here and find a midwife that aligns with your values. They will be with you throughout your pregnancy and 6 weeks after your delivery

  • Search for a nearby GP here

Pregnancy Test
Image by Leohoho

start taking pregnancy supplements​

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​Supplements, such as folic acid and iodine, can be bought over the counter at pharmacies, or you can get them on prescription with your GP (less expensive)

  • Folic acid helps to reduce the risk of serious and fatal fetal abnormalities by making sure the developing pregnancy has enough folate for it's metabolism

  • Iodine levels are low in New Zealand soil, so we recommend supplementing with this during pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding - it is important for the nutrition of both māmā/mum and pēpē/baby

Talk to your midwife/GP about vaccinations

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In pregnancy, we recommend routine vaccinations. Your immune system is lowered in pregnancy, and this increases your risk of developing serious complications from infections such as influenza or COVID. Vaccinations not only protect you but also your baby/pēpē, through passive immunity (mum passing pēpē antibodies against viruses). Vaccinations have been shown to reduce baby deaths, hospitalisations, respiratory illnesses, and more. 

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See when you can get these vaccinations:

  • Influenza - any time in pregnancy

  • COVID - any time in pregnancy

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) - after 16 weeks' gestation

Image by Diana Polekhina
Image by engin akyurt

focus on your nutrition​

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There are lots of rules around what you can and can't eat during pregnancy. This is to reduce your risk of contracting an infection called "listeria" which can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth and make you very sick. ​

We recommend: 

  • Eating a balanced diet with lots of vegetables, grains, and proteins 

  • Avoiding too much sugar or fatty foods

  • Reheating your food until it is "piping hot" 

  • Washing all your fruit and vegetables

  • Not eating anything beyond it's "use-by" date, or food that you don't know how it was prepared

Foods to avoid:

  • Sushi, soft cheeses and deli meats, sorry folks!

Travel? 

 

This is a huge question, as now we are finally opening up to the world again. And the answer is YES. Just because you are pregnant doesn't mean you can't fly

  • The safest time in pregnancy to travel is in the second trimester (weeks 13-26, the 'middle part' of pregnancy)

  • If you are going on a long haul flight, we recommend staying well hydrated, moving every 1 - 2 hours, and wearing compression stockings to reduce your risk of blood clots (pregnancy = increased risk of clots)

  • Horoia ō ringaringa! We recommend washing your hands regularly and taking extra infection precautions (particularly around food) at your destination

  • If you have any questions, you can speak to your midwife, GP, or travel specialist

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