HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury
Once you know you're pregnant, you need to think about finding a lead maternity carer (LMC). An LMC looks after you during your pregnancy, during your labour and giving birth and after the birth of your baby.
You may register with an LMC as soon as you become pregnant, and it's best to register during your first trimester (if possible, by nine weeks). If you're further along in your pregnancy and have not registered, you should register as soon as possible.
In South Canterbury, your LMC will be a midwife. You may also receive first trimester care (up to the 12th week of pregnancy) from a GP even if they aren't 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
Find your Midwife can help you find and choose a midwife. The site contains midwife profiles, contact details and availability.
Information about midwives and the services they offer.
General information about pregnancy.
Includes information about Jean Todd Maternity Unit at Timaru Hospital and useful links.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed January 2022.
Review key: HILMC-67839