PM Jacinda Ardern has false alarm as baby's due date approaches

CHRIS SKELTON/STUFF

Clarke Gayford tweeted that the couple had "almost" had their baby on Tuesday.

Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford have had what appears to be a false alarm, as the due date for their baby fast approaches.

Gayford tweeted on Tuesday that his mum had set a new record in returning missed calls from him, after the couple "almost" had their baby.

The baby is due on June 17.

It comes after Ardern's office confirmed she won't hand over the country to acting prime minister Winston Peters until the point she arrives at hospital to give birth.

Ardern has said, however, that even from home she will be in regular contact with Peters and Cabinet.

In a statement detailing Ardern's post-pregnancy plans, it has also been confirmed that she is planning to give birth at Auckland Hospital, but there are contingency plans in case the baby comes when she is out of town.

The couple will announce the birth first - likely via Instagram. which is how Ardern announced that she was pregnant.

An official statement will follow from the prime minister's office.