This qualitative study used a Kaupapa Māori research paradigm to expand understandings, beyond negative stereotypes, of the lived realities of young Māori women becoming pregnant, having their babies, and becoming mothers. Forty-four pregnant or recently pregnant Māori women <20 years of age were recruited from two case study sites: Wellington and the Hawkes Bay. The aim of the study was to describe what happens along the maternity care pathway from when the participants confirmed their pregnancy, and how well (or not) their needs were met. They completed a series of interviews during different stages of pregnancy and motherhood. Participants engaged early with health care services (GP services, school- and community-based youth health services) both to confirm their pregnancy and to initiate maternity care. Primary care providers often missed opportunities to adequately explain the process of what to do next or to help the young women to enrol with a midwife or hospital care. Participants who received proactive support at the first interaction with health services had an appropriate maternity care pathway toward obtaining early and seamless maternity care.
