NZ Midwifery Registration key terms

A structured labour record plotting cervical dilatation, fetal head descent, contractions, maternal observations and fetal heart rate over time, used to detect slow progress and trigger timely referral or escalation.

The period of labour before regular progressive cervical change, when contractions become painful and the cervix effaces and dilates slowly; duration varies widely and prolonged latent phase is common in first labours.

The phase of labour from established regular contractions with progressive cervical dilatation, usually defined from about 4-6 cm, through to full dilatation of the cervix.

The phase from full cervical dilatation until the birth of the baby, divided into passive and active phases; the midwife monitors descent, fetal wellbeing and maternal effort and prepares for birth.

The period from the birth of the baby until complete expulsion of the placenta and membranes, when the midwife assesses blood loss and decides between physiological and actively managed approaches.

A package of interventions to reduce postpartum haemorrhage, typically a prophylactic uterotonic, controlled cord traction and assessment of uterine tone and blood loss after placental birth.

Failure of the uterus to contract effectively after birth, allowing bleeding from placental vessels; it is the most common cause of primary postpartum haemorrhage and requires urgent uterotonic treatment and massage.

Excessive bleeding after birth, commonly defined as blood loss of 500 mL or more within 24 hours; the midwife recognises it early, summons help and initiates resuscitation and escalation.

The ongoing assessment of fetal wellbeing in labour using intermittent auscultation or continuous cardiotocography, interpreted alongside maternal observations and labour progress to identify hypoxia.

Listening to the fetal heart rate at intervals with a hand-held Doppler or Pinard stethoscope, counting and recording the rate before, during and after contractions to assess baseline and accelerations.

Continuous electronic recording of fetal heart rate and uterine contractions, interpreted using baseline rate, variability, accelerations and decelerations to classify the trace as normal, suspicious or abnormal.

A transient fall in fetal heart rate below the baseline; timing relative to contractions helps distinguish early, variable and late patterns, which carry different implications for fetal oxygenation.

A set of immediate actions to improve fetal oxygenation when the heart rate pattern is concerning, including maternal repositioning, stopping oxytocin, fluids, and summoning senior help.

A birth emergency in which the fetal shoulders fail to deliver after the head, requiring prompt manoeuvres, avoidance of fundal pressure and rapid escalation to obstetric and neonatal support.

Structured support of a newborn's breathing and circulation at birth, beginning with warmth, drying, stimulation and airway positioning, then ventilation and, if needed, chest compressions.

A rapid structured assessment of the newborn at one and five minutes after birth, scoring heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex response and colour to guide ongoing observation.

Placing the naked newborn prone on the mother's chest immediately after birth, supporting thermoregulation, breastfeeding initiation, bonding and physiological stability in the newborn.

Supporting the newborn to attach and feed at the breast in the first hour, using effective positioning and attachment, and providing ongoing skilled help in the postnatal period.

The physiological process by which the breast begins and sustains milk production, initially secreting colostrum and later transitioning to mature milk under hormonal control after placental delivery.

The postnatal period following birth, commonly the first six weeks, during which the uterus involutes, lochia is passed and the woman recovers physically and emotionally.

The progressive return of the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size and position after birth, assessed by fundal height and tone, with deviation suggesting retained products or infection.

Use of a validated tool and clinical conversation in the postnatal period to identify depressive symptoms, distinguish them from transient baby blues, and refer appropriately.

Glucose intolerance first recognised during pregnancy, increasing risks of macrosomia, pre-eclampsia and neonatal hypoglycaemia; managed with diet, monitoring and medication when indicated.

A pregnancy-specific disorder of new hypertension with proteinuria or other organ dysfunction after 20 weeks, requiring close surveillance and timely birth to prevent serious maternal and fetal harm.

Systematic testing offered in pregnancy to identify increased risk of conditions such as aneuploidy, infection or gestational diabetes, always accompanied by informed choice and counselling.

A valid agreement to care or a procedure given freely by a competent person who has received adequate information about benefits, risks, alternatives and the right to decline.

Supporting a woman to make decisions about her care by giving balanced, evidence-based information, respecting her values and culture, and accepting her decision without pressure.

Midwifery practice that places the woman and her whānau at the centre of decision-making, building partnership through listening, respect, continuity and responsiveness to her needs.

A relationship between midwife and woman based on trust, reciprocity and shared decision-making, in which the woman's knowledge of herself is valued alongside the midwife's expertise.

Practice in which the midwife examines her own culture and power, and ensures care is shaped by and safe for the cultural identity of the woman and her whānau.

The 1840 treaty between Māori and the Crown, with articles of partnership, rangatiratanga, protection and equity that underpin obligations for culturally safe health services in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Fair opportunity for all people to achieve good health, requiring action on avoidable differences in outcomes, including those experienced by Māori and other groups in maternity care.

Care that recognises the extended family as central to a woman's wellbeing, involving whānau in decisions and support according to the woman's wishes and cultural expectations.

The requirement to practise within scope with current knowledge and skill, maintain recency of practice and complete continuing professional development as set by the regulatory authority.

The defined activities a registered midwife is educated and authorised to perform, including autonomous care of women and babies in normal pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period.

The agreed process by which a midwife transfers or shares care with a general practitioner, obstetrician or other specialist when risk or complexity exceeds her scope.

Seeking advice or opinion from another health professional while the midwife retains responsibility for care, used whenever findings are outside expected normal and require specialist input.

A planned, rehearsed process for summoning urgent help and transferring care when an emergency arises, specifying who calls, what is communicated and where the woman is moved.

Contemporaneous, accurate and legible records of assessments, decisions, advice given and actions taken, forming the legal record of care and evidence of professional accountability.