A shortage of Waikato midwives is reaching breaking point for the region.

Many have had enough and are leaving in their droves.

33 of them quit last year, a dozen are planning to leave this year, along with 4 next year.

It means 800 women could be without a lead maternity carer this summer.

College of Midwives midwifery advisor Alison Eddy said midwives have been working through a pay equity process with the Ministry of Health since settling a High Court claim in 2015.

She said part of the issue for midwives in Waikato have is that they are not prepared to wait any longer and that is an issue that has been seen sometime within the ministry.

Coupled with that, there has been a level of distress in the midwifery community about being on call and the requirements for being on 24/7 along with the lack of pay and lack of resources.

She said midwives are significantly underpaid because of gender discrimination.

LISTEN ABOVE TO RACHEL SMALLEY TALKING WITH ALISON EDDY