When to Start Antenatal Classes?

Antenatal classes help expectant parents prepare for their new roles. These classes cover everything about pregnancy health, birthing choices, baby care basics, and recovery after birth. New parents find these classes incredibly valuable, as they learn practical skills and connect with other expecting couples.

What Are Antenatal Classes?

Antenatal classes, also called birth classes or childbirth education, help parents prepare for labour, birth, and early parenthood. These well-laid-out sessions give expectant parents the knowledge and practical skills they need as they start their parenthood journey.

Purpose and Benefits

The main goal of antenatal education is to improve the mothers’ self-efficacy and their views about childbirth, particularly in late pregnancy. Parents learn everything about natural labour, birthing environments, and ways to manage labour pain through these educational sessions.

Studies have shown that antenatal classes make a real difference in maternal outcomes. These programs also lead to fewer delivery complications, less anxiety, and greater confidence during labour.

The classes offer many more benefits beyond birth preparation. Parents get the opportunities to:

- Talk about their birth plans and worries with healthcare professionals

- Learn pain management methods and relief options

- Understand what they need for postnatal care and newborns

- Connect with other parents expecting babies around the same time

Antenatal education is a great way to get quality information during pregnancy. Healthcare providers can correct any wrong ideas about birth and build better communication with expectant parents.

The classes cover vital aspects of pregnancy health, such as proper nutrition, exercise routines, and relaxation methods. They also focus on practical skills for managing labour, birthing positions, and breathing exercises.

Women who join antenatal education programs exhibit an increased desire for physiological delivery. Furthermore, these sessions help create strong bonds between midwives and pregnant women.

Antenatal classes typically cover the following information:

- Pregnancy changes and how to handle them

- Hospital procedures and what to pack

- Labour stages and body changes

- Making decisions during labour

- Pain relief options and possible side effects

Ultimately, these sessions give soon-to-be parents a supportive space where they can openly share their concerns and get ready for this big life change.

When to Start Antenatal Classes

Experts suggest starting antenatal classes between 30 to 32 weeks of pregnancy. Moms expecting multiple births should start earlier, around 24 weeks into pregnancy.

Recommended Timing

The best time to attend antenatal classes is in the second or early third trimester.

Starting classes at 28 weeks gives first-time parents enough time to:

- Really understand the information

- Learn breathing techniques and labour positions

- Feel more confident about childbirth

- Connect with other expecting parents

Parents who’ve had babies before often take refresher courses to help them brush up on current birthing practices and fine-tune their techniques.

Booking Considerations

Antenatal classes fill up quickly, so planning ahead is recommended. Healthcare facilities suggest asking about class availability early in pregnancy. Here’s what you should do:

- Reach out to your chosen healthcare provider or birthing centre by week 16

- Check when classes are scheduled

- Book your preferred sessions quickly to get the times you want

Different providers structure their programs differently. Classes usually total 12 to 14 hours, split into 6 or 7 evening sessions. Weekend options and shorter courses are available at some facilities.

Private antenatal classes may follow different schedules. These providers often give more flexible timing options, but you’ll still need to book early to get your preferred slots.

Your medical conditions or pregnancy complications might affect when you should take these classes. Healthcare providers can give you personalised advice about the right time to start antenatal education.

Types of Antenatal Classes Available

Antenatal education has changed dramatically in recent years, and expectant parents now have many learning options that match their needs.

In-Person vs Online Classes

Expectant parents still prefer traditional in-person sessions because they offer direct social interaction and hands-on learning. Research shows that face-to-face classes also reduce anxiety levels.

However, online antenatal classes have become a popular option, offering several benefits:

- Flexible timing and location

- Better access for those living in remote areas

- Easy participation for partners and family

- More affordable

Specialised Classes

Different programs cater to specific needs and priorities:

Lamaze Technique: This method leads the way in many countries. Classes focus on natural childbirth without taking sides on medical interventions. The curriculum includes:

Normal labour and early postpartum care

- Massage and relaxation techniques

- Effective communication skills

- Breastfeeding guidance

Bradley Method: Known as husband-coached birth, this 12-session course prepares couples for medication-free delivery. The programme highlights:

- Nutrition and exercise importance

- Labour rehearsals

- Postpartum care strategies

- Coaching techniques for partners

HypnoBirthing: This five-session approach uses self-hypnosis techniques and stresses pre-birth parenting awareness. Parents learn to create a relaxed natural birthing experience through guided relaxation and breathing techniques.

Alexander Technique: This educational method boosts movement freedom, balance, and coordination. Weekly lessons during pregnancy improve:

- Pregnancy comfort levels

- Pushing effectiveness during delivery

- Childbirth recovery

- Nursing comfort

How to Choose the Right Antenatal Class

Factors to Consider

The size of the class plays a vital role in learning. Smaller groups create opportunities for more personalised attention and let educators deal with individual concerns effectively. An intimate setting works best for first-time parents who want to freely express their questions and worries.

The instructor’s qualifications and experience are the foundations of class selection. Certified childbirth educators, midwives, or doulas with extensive prenatal care expertise should lead these sessions. Expecting parents need to check if instructors have proper certifications and stay updated with current birthing practices.

Many programs are a great way to get active participation from birth partners and teach specific support techniques for labour and delivery. These shared sessions can strengthen couples’ bonds and boost the overall birthing experience.

Seeking Recommendations

Healthcare providers, like midwives and doctors, are great resources when selecting antenatal classes. They keep updated information about local programs and can suggest options that match specific pregnancy needs.

Class timing and format deserve careful consideration. Some providers offer weekend intensives, while others schedule weekly evening sessions. Online options might work better for busy parents, offering flexibility without losing educational value.

Build Confidence with Nourish Baby’s 3-Course Online Antenatal Bundle 

Antenatal classes are a great way for expecting parents to gain the knowledge and practical skills they need for the next stage of the journey.

Nourish Baby’s antenatal online classes are combined into one Antenatal Bundle. With over 12 hours of engaging videos, interactive graphics and learning activities, our qualified antenatal and early parenting professionals deliver material to guide you through pregnancy, birth and caring for your new baby.