What do antenatal classes include

Page last reviewed: 17 March Next review due: 17 March Antenatal classes. They're usually informative and fun, and they're free on the NHS.

You can learn how to: look after and feed your baby stay healthy during pregnancy make a birth plan, considering the different arrangements for labour and birth and the choices available to you You may also meet some of the people who will look after you during labour and after the birth. Choosing an antenatal class Think about what you hope to gain from antenatal classes so you can find the sort of class that suits you best.

Speak to your community midwife if you cannot go to classes. What happens in antenatal classes Classes are normally held once a week, either during the day or in the evening, for around 2 hours. The kinds of topics covered by antenatal classes are: health in pregnancy , including a healthy diet exercises to keep you fit and active during pregnancy what happens during labour and birth coping with labour and information about different types of pain relief how to help yourself during labour and birth relaxation techniques information about different kinds of birth and interventions, such as forceps or vacuum delivery caring for your baby, including feeding your health after the birth refresher classes for those who've already had a baby emotions and feelings during pregnancy , birth and after Some classes cover all these topics.

You get to meet fellow parents-to-be who are also going through the same experience as you. Many new mums-to-be even form their own support groups or playgroups from these classes. It offers a good peer-support system. It's best to opt for a prenatal course that has a trainer with a medical background and access to updated and relevant medical knowledge.

It covers three segments: pregnancy, labour and childbirth, and nurturing and parenting. The first two topics are covered in eight one-and-a-half-hour weekly sessions, while the third topic is covered in one three-hour long session. Each class can take eight to 12 couples. It's good to register early with your choice as some classes are very popular and may have long waiting lists. Visit Parent Hub, for more useful tips and guides for a healthy pregnancy.

Here are some key points to think about as you plan for your next baby. Your pregnancy journey will involve many prenatal tests and scans. Gaining weight during your pregnancy is a positive sign. But too much weight gain can put your pregnancy at risk. The body will undergo numerous changes during pregnancy, with some discomfort to be experienced.

We zoom in on some orthopaedic issues expectant mothers may face, and how to manage them. A miscarriage is a difficult loss for couples. Physical and emotional preparations are important when trying for a baby after a miscarriage. What are some common confinement myths you can ignore? A proper vaccination programme helps protect our children from various life-threatening diseases. Get to know the recommended vaccines for children in Singapore and how they help.

Miscarriage is the most common complication of early pregnancy. Women can experience a miscarriage without knowing it. Weight gain, mood swings, acne, and irregular periods could all be signs of hormonal imbalance. Read on to find out more. Some areas may have antenatal education especially for lone parents and teenagers and young adults.

There are private antenatal classes available. They will charge a fee. Some of these are available online. It is important to research the credentials of the course providers. Your midwife or GP may be able to offer you guidance if you are unclear about which classes to attend.

Classes may be offered weekly, during the day, in the evening or over a full day, depending on the maternity hospital or health centre. They may last for 2 or 3 hours or longer for a full day.

Benefits and entitlements for parents. Read our cookies policy to find out more about our cookies and how we use them. Page last reviewed: 1 May Next review due: 1 May Antenatal classes.