A teenager arrested after the body of a premature baby was discovered in west Auckland last month now faces a charge of murder.

The 18-year-old woman, who has name suppression, made her second appearance in Waitakere District Court today.

At her first appearance she faced one charge; disposal of the dead body of a baby with intent to conceal its birth.

When she reappeared today she faced a new charge of murder, a court official told NZPA.

The charges follow the discovery of a premature baby boy's naked body on a concrete path outside a residence in Barron Drive, Green Bay late last month.

Bail was continued for the woman and she will reappear at Waitakere District Court next month.