Antenatal classes

What are antenatal classes?

Antenatal classes can help you and your partner to prepare for labour, birth and early parenthood. Some classes focus mostly on labour and birth, while others guide you through late pregnancy, and what life with a newborn baby will be like.

It's recommended that you go along to antenatal classes and breastfeeding workshops (NCCWCH 2008). It may help you have a better birth experience, as well as prepare you for coping in the early weeks after the birth (Schrader et al 2009, NCCWCH 2008). Classes tend to be small, so you and your partner can take an active part in them (Schrader et al 2009).

Classes that are either run by the NHS midwives, or are paid for by the NHS, take place at hospitals or children's centres.

If you don't mind paying for classes, you may want to try:

Budget allowing, you may find it helpful to go to more than one type of class. If you're going to a class that is not run by your hospital or health centre, check that the teacher is properly trained.

Why do I need to go to antenatal classes?

Though they aren't compulsory, antenatal classes can help you and your partner to focus on your pregnancy, and help you to be prepared for labour and birth. If your classes address early parenthood, you'll also be better prepared for the practicalities, and the highs and lows, of parenthood.

You'll also meet other parents-to-be during the sessions. Some classes are booked according to your due date, so you'll meet women or couples whose babies will be born at a similar time.

What topics are covered in antenatal classes?

The content of the classes varies. Some concentrate purely on physical and emotional preparation for labour and birth. Others provide a more rounded course for pregnant women and their birth partners. The Department of Health recommends that antenatal courses cover the following topics:

Some classes offer a more in-depth exploration of topics, such as:

The aim of all antenatal classes is to improve your skills and confidence, as well as preparing you for a positive birth experience.

What types of free antenatal classes are there?

You can find out from your midwife, GP or health visitor about the free classes in your area. These are usually run by midwives or NCT-trained teachers, with some input from health visitors and physiotherapists.

You may have between three and six sessions of different lengths in the afternoon or evening, or the course may take place over a weekend. The classes on offer could include:

Early pregnancy classes

These are usually group classes that cover topics such as:

Women-only classes These classes may suit you if you'd prefer not to have your male birth partner there, or if you and your female birth partner would just prefer a more low-key approach.

Many women enjoy the close bond that can develop in women-only classes, where you often have the opportunity to discuss subjects that may not be covered during couples' classes. These courses sometimes include a session for dads.

Couples' classes

These are usually for first-time parents and help both partners get involved in the preparations for labour, birth and early parenthood. Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond classes follow the format recommended by the Department of Health (DH 2011) and are available in some areas.

Going to a couples' class gives you both the chance to focus on your pregnancy and make it feel more real for you. Classes also provide practical information about being a birth partner and a new parent. Your partner will have the chance to try out techniques, such as massage and breathing support, in preparation for their role. It's also an opportunity for you both to meet other parents-to-be.

Refresher classes

These may suit you if you've had a baby before. Childcare facilities are often provided. Most antenatal classes respond to what you want to know, but this is especially true of refresher classes.

As a second-time mum you may want to relive your birth experiences and be updated on research and changes in birth practices. However, you may feel confident about feeding, so issues such as formula feeding versus breastfeeding may not be discussed. These courses sometimes also offer sessions for couples and dads.

Hospital classes

From about 34 weeks, you may be offered a free antenatal session at your local hospital.

Some maternity units include a tour round the labour suite, though this is becoming less common due to health and safety, as well as privacy, concerns. You may be able to have a virtual tour of the unit via the hospital website, so you can see what the rooms and layout of the unit are like.

Dedicated sessions

Some units offer evening or day sessions dedicated to topics such as multiple birth, active birth, water birth, VBAC or home birth. You'll meet women who are concerned about the same things as you, and be free to talk and ask questions, as well as have help with planning your labour.

What paid-for classes are available?

Though the following classes will cost you money, you may be able to pay by instalment, or at a reduced fee, if you are on a low income.

NCT antenatal courses

NCT has a range of antenatal classes, including:
  • NCT signature classes: classes that are specifically tailored to the mums and dads taking part.
  • NCT essentials classes: a new range of affordable courses, which tackle parents' main questions and prepare you for the birth.

NCT classes are often smaller and may cover topics in more depth than other antenatal classes. Teachers try to make time for discussion and to practice physical skills.

Active birth classes

The emphasis of these classes tends to be on getting your body ready for your baby's birth. Many classes use yoga as part of the preparation. You'll also learn how to take an active role in bringing your baby into the world.

The Active Birth Centre runs antenatal yoga classes in London, and provides contact details for active birth teachers outside the capital. Other mums may also be able to recommend good classes in your area.

If you can't find an Active Birth class, you could sign up for antenatal yoga classes. Look for classes run by a teacher qualified to teach pregnant women. Antenatal yoga classes teach you exercises that can help you to prepare for labour. Some also cover positions for labour, relaxation and breathing techniques.

Hypnobirthing classes

These teach a combination of self-hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques, as well as explaining how your body works during labour and birth. You can find out if there is a hypnobirthing teacher in your area at HypnoBirthing UK.

When should I book my classes?

Try to book your antenatal classes early, as some courses get booked up very quickly. Antenatal course provision can vary from area to area, so find out early in your pregnancy what's available, and how soon you need to book.

And don't forget, you can sign up any time for BabyCentre's free online classes here.


DH. 2011. Preparation for birth and beyond: a resource pack for leaders of community groups and activities. Department of Health. [pdf file, accessed November 2012]


Schrader McMillan A, Barlow J, Redshaw M. 2009. Birth and beyond: a review of evidence about antenatal education. Department of Health. [pdf file, accessed November 2012]

Track your baby’s development

Trying to conceive?


Log in or sign up to post a comment!
Hello All! I am 30 weeks with my first and due to start my antenatal classes after Easter (I'll be 34 weeks then). I was worried that it was cutting it close as they are spanned over 5 weeks but the Midwife reassured me that the techniques would be fresh in my head! Also as Im off on Maternity leave it'll give me something to look forward to! I booked my classes at around 25 weeks so to the Mums worried about being too late don't worry there is always something available including one day weeked classes for people who cant make the evening weekday ones. Good luck with your pregnancies!
Dear members Am 26 weeks and afirst mom but always wondering about labour time and its techniques! Can anyone guide me or direct me to where ican read from or get clear answers?thanks.
My wife is now in her 36 weeks pregnant and we have not had one class of antenatal. Is it too late to do now?
Plz tel me when i should start antenantal classes. Im 11 weeks today. Am i late?
Does anyone have any experiences of either the NHS or the NCT classes that they can share? I am not sure which ones to choose. Thanks.

Our site uses cookies to store information on your computer.

Getting pregnant
For you
Meet other mums!