What do you learn in antenatal classes and what are the benefits?

What are antenatal classes?

"Antenatal courses are for groups of expectant parents who usually attend during their third trimester," says Val Willcox, practice manager at the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). The third trimester begins around week 28 of pregnancy and lasts until you give birth, which is often around week 40 of pregnancy.

She says: "Where possible, the parents attending live in the same area and will be expecting their baby or babies at a similar time."

Antenatal courses are usually split into several classes over a period of weeks, or over the course of one month. Antenatal classes are usually held once a week and last two hours. However, there may be extra classes to cover subjects with lots of information, such as feeding. Usually, both parents can attend antenatal classes, and partners are encouraged to join. Some areas may offer classes for single parents or classes in different languages.

Often, antenatal classes cover what happens in labour and delivery, and the different interventions that can be used. This helps pregnant women feel prepared and ensure they are able to make informed decisions. Antenatal classes may also include how to make a birth plan, techniques to cope with labour, and information on pain relief. Parents-to-be will also be able to ask the class leader questions, talk about their plans, and air any worries they may have.

"The benefits of NCT antenatal courses are that parents will be empowered to make decisions about how they want to approach birth and the early parenting period," says Willcox. "Expectant parents can learn more about what is involved and the evidence behind different approaches."

Antenatal classes are also a good way to meet other expectant parents. Caring for a newborn baby can be a scary and isolating time, particularly for first-time parents. Friends made at antenatal classes can meet up and support each other through the first few months after birth. Antenatal classes allow new parents to make lifelong friends, and build strong support networks.

It's normal for new parents to feel anxious and nervous about the road ahead. However, research shows antenatal education can help to reduce fears surrounding birth, and lower feelings of stress and anxiety in pregnant women.

"We believe that sharing evidence-based information and providing opportunities for expectant parents to explore their options helps them feel more confident about labour, birth and early parenting," says Willcox. "It also gives them a chance to discuss how they feel with peers and to practise new skills."

A separate study found women who attended classes were more satisfied with the experience of childbirth and were less likely to have an over-medicalised birth. Research also shows that partners benefit from attending antenatal classes, with them reporting feeling more prepared for birth and better able to fulfil their supportive roles.

You can search for antenatal classes near you online or on social media. Often, groups are held at community centres, local halls and churches. You can search for local NCT groups on its website. Your midwife, health visitor ,or doctor may also be able to point you towards a local antenatal group. NHS classes are free, but NCT classes can charge a fee.

Antenatal classes are often oversubscribed and can get booked up quickly, so it's a good idea to book your place in advance. If you aren't able to attend classes in person, classes are frequently held online on Zoom or Microsoft Teams. BabyCentre also runs free online antenatal classes through pre-recorded videos, so you can learn about labour and birth in your own time.