Antenatal classes explained

What are antenatal classes?

Antenatal classes are designed to help you prepare for labour, birth and the early days with your baby. They can also be a useful way to meet other parents-to-be and build a local support network.

The exact content varies by provider, but most classes cover labour, birth choices, pain relief, feeding, newborn care and what to expect in the first few weeks after birth. NHS guidance also notes that classes may cover wellbeing, exercise, relaxation and different types of delivery.

When should you start antenatal classes?

Many antenatal courses take place during the final couple of months of pregnancy. The NHS says classes often start around 8 to 10 weeks before your baby is due. Private providers may structure their courses differently, so it is worth checking dates early.

Popular local courses can fill up well in advance. NCT, for example, says many parents book around 16 weeks of pregnancy and recommends choosing a course that finishes a few weeks before your due date where possible.

What do antenatal classes usually cover?

Depending on the course, you may learn about:

• signs and stages of labour
• birth environments and birth choices
• pain relief and interventions
• caesarean and assisted birth
• recovery after birth
• feeding your baby
• newborn care and safer sleep
• emotional wellbeing
• life in the early weeks with a newborn

Some courses also include practical exercises, partner support and time to talk through questions with the course leader.

NHS classes or private antenatal classes?

NHS antenatal classes are free and availability varies by area. Your midwife can usually tell you what is available locally.

Private courses can offer smaller groups, different formats, additional topics or a stronger focus on meeting other local parents. They may be available in person, online or as a mix of both.

There is no single “best” option. The right choice depends on what you want from the experience, your budget, your schedule and how you prefer to learn.

What should you look for when choosing a class?

Think about:

• whether the dates work with your due date
• location and travel time
• whether you want in-person or online sessions
• what the course actually covers
• whether a partner or support person can attend
• group size
• cost
• the experience and training of the person running it

It is also worth thinking about whether meeting other parents locally matters to you. For many families, that social side becomes just as valuable as the course content.

Do you have to do antenatal classes?

No. Antenatal classes are optional, and plenty of parents prepare for birth in other ways.

But if you want structured information, practical preparation and the opportunity to ask questions, they can be very useful.