Antenatal classes

What do antenatal classes cover?

Classes are not all the same, but most aim to cover the basic information about pregnancy, labour and birth, and topics you can expect include:

• What happens to you and your baby during labour and birth
• Coping with labour and information about pain relief
• Exercises to keep you fit during pregnancy and to help during labour
• Preparing for life with a new baby
• Caring for a newborn, including feeding
• Your own health in pregnancy and after the birth
• Relaxation
• Emotions surrounding pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal period
• 'Refresher' classes for those who've already had a baby

You're entitled to time off work to attend classes. Some employers will ask to see a note from your midwife or doctor confirming your attendance.

What sort of antenatal class to choose?

Ask your midwife what classes are available in your area. Some classes are designed for everyone, while others are aimed at particular groups, such as teenagers or women from specific ethnic groups, or for parents expecting twins or more.

Some classes invite both partners to attend, others are for pregnant women only. If the classes are for couples, that can also mean women with their mothers or a friend who’s planning in supporting them at the birth.

There are different formats for classes. Some are six or seven week courses, starting when you are around seven months pregnant; others are fewer in number, with sometimes longer gaps between classes; some are more social, and you attend at any stage of your pregnancy or afterwards, with your baby. These are sometimes called ‘drop ins’ as you don’t have to book a place.

In some areas, you might find 'labour and birth' weekends or days, where you attend one or two longish sessions. Both private and NHS classes can take these formats - ask to find out what's available in your area.

Some hospitals offer special one-day breastfeeding workshops, and you may also be given the opportunity to visit the ward where you plan to give birth.

NHS antenatal classes

NHS classes are:

• Usually held in a hospital or health centre, or a children’s centre
• Run by a health professional, often a midwife or health visitor, perhaps with input from a doctor; some may be run by a teacher from the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) (see below) contracted to give NHS classes
• Large classes with a number of partcipants
• Free of charge

Private antenatal classes

Private classes are:

• Often held in a community setting or in the teacher’s own home
• Run by teachers trained by the organisation offering the class - they may or may not be health professionals
• Usually made up of quite small groups, as there is a strong focus is on friendship and mutual support
• There's usually a charge for private classes, although this may be waived in some cases

The biggest UK network of private antenatal classes is run by the charity NCT. Other private groups include active birth classes, or classes which specialise in water births and yoga during pregnancy, and classes run by independent midwives.