Care for you
and your baby.
Simple, trusted information for pregnancy, giving birth and the first weeks with your newborn — and where to get help fast.
Danger signs
If you see any of these signs, get help now
Don’t wait to see if it gets better. Go to a health facility straight away or call the hotline.
During pregnancy
- Bleeding from the vagina
- Severe headache, blurred vision or seeing spots
- Fits (convulsions)
- Severe pain in the belly
- Fever
- Swelling of the face or hands
- Baby moving less than usual, or not at all
- Water breaking before labour starts
- Difficulty breathing
Go to a health facility immediately or call the hotline.
Call 0800 722 023During labour and birth
- Heavy bleeding
- Labour lasting more than 12 hours
- Fits (convulsions)
- The cord, a hand or a foot comes out first
- The afterbirth (placenta) has not come out 30 minutes after the baby
Get skilled help at a health facility now. Do not wait at home.
Call 0800 722 023After giving birth
- Heavy bleeding, or bleeding that gets worse
- Bad-smelling discharge from the vagina
- Fever or chills
- Severe headache or blurred vision
- Fits (convulsions)
- Painful, red or swollen breasts with fever
- Feeling very sad, hopeless or unable to cope
Go back to the facility or call the hotline straight away.
Call 0800 722 023In your newborn baby
- Not feeding or not sucking well
- Fits (convulsions)
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Feels very hot, or very cold
- Yellow skin or eyes, especially the palms and soles
- Red, swollen or bad-smelling cord
- Very sleepy, floppy or not moving
- Vomiting everything
Take the baby to a health facility immediately.
Call 0800 722 023
Source: Ministry of Health, Mother & Child Health Handbook.
Pregnancy
Your antenatal check-ups
Start your clinic visits as early as you can — ideally within the first three months — and keep every appointment. The national goal is for every pregnant woman to have at least four check-ups.
- Your blood pressure, weight and the baby's growth are checked
- Blood tests for anaemia, HIV and syphilis — with free treatment if needed
- Iron and folic acid tablets to keep you and your baby strong
- Tetanus vaccination
- Help to make a birth plan
- Bring your Mother & Child Health Handbook to every visit
Getting ready
Make a birth plan
Decide now, while you are well, so nobody has to decide in a hurry.
- Choose the health facility where you will give birth
- Plan how you will get there — day or night — and save money for transport
- Choose a birth companion and someone to care for your other children
- Keep a bag ready: your handbook, ID, clean clothes and baby clothes
- Save the hotline number in your phone and tell your family the danger signs
Birth
Give birth with a skilled health worker
Most complications during birth cannot be predicted. A trained midwife, nurse or doctor can act in minutes — that is why giving birth in a health facility saves lives.
- Go to the facility as soon as labour starts, or if your waters break
- You have the right to respectful care, privacy and a companion
- Ask your facility about maternity cover under the Social Health Authority (SHA)
After birth
Caring for yourself and your newborn
The first days after birth are the most dangerous for mother and baby. Go for a check-up within two days, even if you feel well.
- Breastfeed within the first hour, and give only breast milk for six months
- Keep your baby warm — skin-to-skin on your chest is best, especially for small babies
- Keep the cord clean and dry; put nothing on it
- Get your baby's first vaccines before you leave the facility
- Rest, eat well and ask for help — and talk to someone if you feel low
Emergency hotline
Need help now?
Pregnant, in labour or caring for a newborn and something feels wrong? Call now — don't wait.