Understanding Antenatal Classes and Their Relevance to You

Congratulations! You're going to be a mother or father! Perhaps for the first time or perhaps this isn't new to you at all; either way you might be curious about antenatal classes and what they can offer to you. If you are in any way daunted about the process of birth, or what comes after, then antenatal classes could really help to set your mind at ease. The following information is designed to provide you with everything that you need to know about the basics of antenatal classes, for example the different types of classes that exist, what you can expect to learn, and even who the classes are aimed at.

What Are Antenatal Classes?

The aim of antenatal classes is to prepare you for labour, birth and early parenthood by providing you with stacks of information and in some cases even hands-on experience or practice. Different classes focus on different areas of interest, for example you will certainly find some antenatal classes that focus only on birth, others that deal more with early pregnancy, and still more that will teach you how to handle your baby.

In the UK the recommendation for mothers and fathers is to attend antenatal classes as well as breastfeeding workshops. As many of these courses are run by the NHS they are free, so cost is not an issue. Having said that, there are also some antenatal classes that are run by different organisations; these will incur a certain fee dependent on the course.

What Do Antenatal Classes Teach?

As we have already mentioned, different antenatal classes will teach different things. It would be impossible to provide a detailed syllabus of every different course on offer, but we can certainly provide you with information regarding some of the bits and pieces that you can expect to be covered. For additional information why not look up some local classes now to see exactly what they can offer to you.

Understanding the process of labour and giving birth is given particular emphasis within antenatal classes, as this is often an area that women in particular are most concerned about. Information will be provided as to the medical procedures that you could encounter within your own birth, such as epidurals and Caesarean sections. The different types of pain relief available and several relaxation techniques may also be taught to help to set your mind at ease. Breastfeeding workshops are also commonly found within antenatal classes.

What Types of Antenatal Classes Exist?

With so many different types of antenatal classes on offer, it may be difficult for you to decide which is the most appropriate for you and your unique needs. For that reason we have gathered the names of many of the most popular courses, along with some information regarding what you can expect from them:

• Early pregnancy classes. Unsurprisingly these courses will be more suitable for you early in your pregnancy. They will provide you with information that will help you to understand what to expect within the next few months.


• Women only classes. Many women enjoy the intimacy and close bond that can be created through women only antenatal classes. You may feel that it is easier to discuss some of the problems that you are faced with in a group consisting of women only.


• Couples classes. A couple's course will provide the opportunity for both the mother and a father to be involved in preparing for the birth of your baby. This can be a great way to get the information that you need, while meeting many other couples going through the same thing as you.


• Father's classes. Although rarer than some of the other types of antenatal course, there certainly are courses that are geared specifically for dads. Not only will they help you get to grips with the prospect of being a father, but will also teach you how to help your partner through the process of giving birth.


• Refresher classes. Already had a child? A refresher course could help to remind you of the process, while potentially offering childcare facilities.


• Hospital classes. Toward the end of your pregnancy, many hospitals will offer more antenatal classes, potentially even including a tour of the labour suite to put your mind at ease.

Antenatal classes could really give you the confidence that you need before the birth of your baby, so be sure to book your place early as slots in these lessons do tend to fill up quickly.

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Rebecca L. Smith is a full time freelance writer based in the UK. She specialises in creating an assortment of articles on a range of different topics of interest.