National maternity clinical guidance

Guidelines for consultation with obstetric and related medical services (referral guidelines) [PDF, 1.4 MB] (external link)

Published 2026

These guidelines help health practitioners decide when pregnant, birthing and postnatal women/people and babies should be referred to another clinician, when care should be transferred to a specialist, and what to do in emergencies.

They also explain referral pathways, emergency transport, and what to do if a woman/person or parents decline referral or transfer of care. The guidelines are based on best practice and were developed by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora with advice from clinical experts including midwives, obstetricians, paediatricians, general practitioners and anaesthetists.

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Diabetes in pregnancy [PDF 586KB] (external link)

Published 2014

This guide gives recommendations for screening and diagnosis of probable undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes in pregnancy. It also includes recommendations for treating and managing gestational diabetes.

Screening, diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes in New Zealand: A clinical practice guideline [PDF 2.4MB] (external link)

Published 2014

This clinical guideline gives detailed recommendations for screening and diagnosis of probable undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes in pregnancy. Recommendations on treating and managing gestational diabetes are also outlined.

Observation of mother and baby in the immediate postnatal period: Consensus statements guiding practice [PDF 150KB] (external link)

Published 2012

Guidance for health practitioners supporting mothers and babies in the immediate postnatal period.

New Zealand obstetric ultrasound guidelines [PDF 3.5MB] (external link)

Published 2019

This publication provides new national guidance to support radiology professionals and lead maternity carers to deliver nationally consistent, clinically appropriate and high-quality maternity ultrasound services.

National consensus guideline for treatment of postpartum haemorrhage [PDF 431KB] (external link)

Published 2022

This consensus guideline has been updated to include the latest evidence-based research to guide clinical practice for treatment of postpartum haemorrhage.

Pulse oximetry screening guidelines for newborn babies [PDF 1.3MB] (external link)

Published 2024

National guidance on newborn pulse oximetry screening including guidelines for health practitioners, screening algorithm, and information for parents.

National guidance for the assessment, diagnosis and surgical treatment of tongue-tie in breastfeeding neonates [PDF 329KB] (external link)

Published 2020

This publication provides clinical guidance for health professionals on the assessment, diagnosis and surgical treatment of tongue-tie in breastfeeding babies up to 6 weeks of age.

Companion statement on Vitamin D and sun exposure in pregnancy and infancy in New Zealand [PDF 1.5MB] (external link)

Published 2020, updated 2024

This document was developed to provide evidence‑informed guidance for health practitioners and whānau on vitamin D and sun exposure during pregnancy and infancy in Aotearoa New Zealand, supplementing existing national consensus statements and standards.

Clinical practice guideline: Summary of recommendations [PDF 2.1 MB] (external link)

Clinical practice guideline: Evidence summaries [PDF 2.1 MB] (external link)

Management of SGA/FGR algorithm [PDF 343 KB] (external link)

Published 2023

These guidelines were developed by Health New Zealand to provide guidance on recommended clinical practice for small for gestational age and fetal growth restriction.

Fetal alcohol spectrum (FASD) diagnostic guidelines [PDF 3.1MB] (external link)

Published 2024

This guideline is written for clinicians and professionals working in the assessment and diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in a health context.

Guidance for healthy weight gain in pregnancy [PDF 387KB] (external link)

Healthy weight gain in pregnancy poster [PDF 448 KB] (external link)

Healthy weight gain in pregnancy record card [PDF 279 KB] (external link)

LMC Quick Reference Guide [PDF 357 KB] (external link)

Published 2014

This guidance was developed to update previous advice and align New Zealand guidance with international recommendations. It provides clear, practical information for health practitioners on supporting women before, during and after pregnancy to achieve healthy weight gain.

The Guidance outlines what health practitioners should discuss at the booking visit, including measuring height and weight, talking about appropriate weight gain, and offering advice on food, activity and ways to monitor progress.

Clinical practice guideline: Induction of labour in Aotearoa New Zealand [PDF 1.7MB] (external link)

Published 2021

This document was produced by the Ministry of Health to summarise research evidence and support consistent clinical decision‑making for induction of labour from 37 weeks’ gestation. It was developed by a multidisciplinary panel including clinicians, researchers and consumer representatives, and aims to guide shared decision‑making between pregnant people, their whānau and maternity care providers.

Clinical practice guideline: Diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and pre-eclampsia in pregnancy in Aotearoa New Zealand [803 KB] (external link)

Evidence statements: Hypertension and pre-eclampsia in pregnancy in NZ [PDF 1.2 MB] (external link)

Published 2022

This guideline has been updated to include the latest evidence-based research to guide clinical practice for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of pre-eclampsia and hypertension in pregnancy in New Zealand. The guideline is designed for health professionals to use to support clinical judgement, knowledge and expertise, and provide a consistent approach for screening, management and treatment.