Pregnancy, birth, and the transition into parenthood can bring huge emotional and physical changes. While “Baby Blues” are common in the first weeks after birth, ongoing feelings of anxiety, sadness, overwhelm, fear, or disconnection are also something many people experience.

💜 Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.If you’re worried about yourself or someone you know, there are organisations across Aotearoa that can help support you through pregnancy and early parenthood.For more information and support visit:• Mental Health Foundation NZ @mentalhealthfoundationnz • Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa (PADA) @PerinatalAnxietyDepressionAotearoa• Mothers Matter @mothersmatternzLearn more at www.womens-health.org.nz/health-topics/pregnancy/#maternalmentalhealth #maternalhealth #perinatalmentalhealth ... See MoreSee Less

It has recently been announced that Victoria’s network of 20 Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Hubs will offer the green whistle (Penthrox) as a pain relief option for IUD procedures. This has come in response to the 'Inquiry into Women's Pain' found that intrauterine device (IUD) procedures often cause serious pain and it's recommendations.

In 2024 Women's Health Action released our 'IUD Experiences in Aotearoa 2024 Survey Report.' This report explores the diverse experiences of individuals regarding IUDs, drawing from survey responses that highlight physical, mental, and emotional aspects of care inside Aotearoa New Zealand. This post highlights specifically the topic of pain inside our report as a part of the current discussion. We invite you to read this report on our website: www.womens-health.org.nz/iuds/www.health.vic.gov.au/inquiry-into-womens-pain#womenshealth #reproductivehealth #iud #iudinsertion ... See MoreSee Less

PCOS has a new name! Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is being renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). A change intended to better reflect the broader endocrine, metabolic and reproductive impacts of the condition.

We have long recognised that PCOS has been a frequently misunderstood condition, with many people experiencing significant barriers to timely diagnosis, understanding, and challenges to appropriate care as a result.The updated terminology aims to acknowledge that this condition affects far more than the ovaries alone. We welcome this change and hope it contributes to improved awareness, more accurate diagnosis, and better health outcomes for those affected by PMOS 💜#pcos #PMOS #WomensHealth #HormonalHealth #EndocrineHealth #MetabolicHealth #womenshealthaction #HealthEducation #ReproductiveHealth ... See MoreSee Less

Update: PCOS has a new name PMOS! PMOS stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. The new name aims to better reflect the full-body impacts of the condition beyond the ovaries alone.

This post was created before the name change and terminology will not reflect the name PMOS. We welcome this name change and have long advocated for better representation and understanding that this is a often misunderstood condition. Which you will find reflected in the information here.------------------Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common but often misunderstood condition that is frequently treated as “just” a reproductive disorder. Despite its impacts on metabolic, hormonal, cardiovascular and mental health.Symptoms can look very different from person to person, which is why many experience delays in diagnosis or feel dismissed when seeking support.If you think you may have PCOS, talking with your GP or healthcare provider can be an important first step.You can read more about PCOS, symptoms, diagnosis, fertility, treatment options and support on our website:www.womens-health.org.nz/health-topics/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome/#PCOS #PolycysticOvarianSyndrome #WomensHealth #Aotearoa ... See MoreSee Less