Your first trimester checklist

The first trimester can feel like a lot at once. Here are the essentials, in roughly the order they matter.

Find your Lead Maternity Carer

As soon as your pregnancy is confirmed, it is worth choosing a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC). Most whānau choose a midwife, and the care is free for those who are eligible. Midwives book up quickly, so reaching out by 8–10 weeks gives you the best chance of the care you would like.

Look after the basics

• Take folic acid and iodine. Your midwife or pharmacist can advise on the right doses
• Keep eating well and stay hydrated; small, frequent meals can help with nausea
• Let your midwife know about any medicines or health conditions

Early scans and screening

Your midwife will coordinate your first scan and talk you through the screening options available in the first trimester, so you can make informed choices about what is right for you.

Where to get your scan in Auckland

Once Amanda or Lisa has given you a referral, you can book directly with a community radiology clinic. These Auckland providers all offer dating and nuchal translucency scans:

• Auckland Radiology Group, clinics across central and east Auckland
• Horizon Radiology, branches across central and south Auckland
• Astra Radiology, accredited by the Fetal Medicine Foundation for nuchal scans
• Lux Radiology, dating scans from 6 weeks
• Advance Ultrasound, a dedicated ultrasound clinic
• UP Ultrasound in Albany, handy for the North Shore

Scans are publicly funded with your referral, though some clinics add a small co-payment, so it is worth asking when you book. The full list of pregnancy ultrasound providers near you is on Healthpoint.