HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Lead maternity carers
Tino kaimanaaki whaea
Once you know you are pregnant, you need to think about finding a lead maternity carer (LMC).
Your LMC will be responsible for your care throughout your pregnancy, labour and birth. They will also care for you and your pēpi (baby) until your pēpi is 6 weeks old. They will give you the information you need to make decisions around your pregnancy and birth.
You may register with an LMC as soon as you become pregnant. It is best to register during your first trimester (if possible, by 9 weeks). If you are further along in your pregnancy and have not registered, you should register as soon as possible.
Your LMC can be a midwife, a GP (although most GPs are not trained as LMCs) or a specialist obstetrician. You may also receive first trimester care (up to the 12th week of pregnancy) from a GP even if they are not your LMC.
The following links provide information about midwives in your area and about what you can expect from your LMC.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- New Zealand College of Midwives
- Find your midwife
Find your Midwife can help you find and choose a midwife. The site contains midwife profiles, contact details and availability.
- For women
Information about midwives and the services they offer.
- Find your midwife
- Health Information and Services – Lead maternity carers
Information about lead maternity carers, including what they do and how you find one.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2024.
Sources
Review key: HILMC-67839
