What are Antenatal Classes?
Pregnancy is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and plenty of questions—especially for first-time parents. One of the best ways to prepare for this incredible chapter is by attending antenatal classes. But what exactly are antenatal classes, and why are they so important?
Antenatal classes are educational sessions designed to prepare expectant parents for childbirth, labour, breastfeeding, and the early days of parenting. Whether you're nervous about labour pain or uncertain about how to care for a newborn, antenatal classes provide practical information and emotional support to help you feel more confident and informed.
Let’s explore what you can expect from antenatal classes, when to start them, and why they might be a key part of your pregnancy journey.
What Do You Do in Antenatal Classes?
Antenatal classes are far more than just theory-based lectures. They are interactive, supportive, and practical experiences tailored to prepare parents for childbirth and early parenthood. Typically, antenatal classes cover a wide range of topics, including:
Stages of labour and what to expect during each phase
Pain relief options, including natural methods and medical interventions
Breathing techniques and relaxation exercises
Birth plans and how to create one that suits your needs
Coping strategies for both partners
Breastfeeding education and newborn care
Postnatal recovery and emotional wellbeing
Group antenatal classes also offer the benefit of meeting other parents-to-be, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Some classes include practical demonstrations, role-playing, and even hospital tours, giving you a clear understanding of what to expect.
When Should You Start Doing Antenatal Classes?
Timing is important when it comes to antenatal classes. Most healthcare providers recommend starting antenatal classes between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy. This window ensures you are far enough along to be thinking practically about birth and early parenting but not so close to your due date that you might miss sessions due to early delivery or fatigue.
Some antenatal classes are structured as weekly sessions over several weeks, while others are offered as intensive weekend courses. Choose the format that best fits your schedule, but don’t wait too long—classes can fill up quickly, especially in busy urban areas.
Do You Really Need Antenatal Classes?
The question many parents ask is: are antenatal classes essential?
While antenatal classes aren’t mandatory, they are highly recommended—especially for first-time parents. They provide crucial knowledge that can significantly reduce fear and uncertainty about childbirth. Informed parents tend to feel more in control and are often better equipped to advocate for themselves during labour.
Even if you’ve read books or watched videos, antenatal classes offer expert guidance, real-time Q&A opportunities, and peer support that self-study can’t replicate. They also help partners understand their roles and how best to provide support during labour and after birth.
That said, experienced parents may choose to skip antenatal classes if they feel confident. But even then, many find a refresher course helpful, especially if it’s been several years since their last birth.
Is 36 Weeks Too Late for Antenatal Class?
Ideally, you should complete your antenatal classes before reaching full term (37 weeks). Starting antenatal classes at 36 weeks might feel late, but it’s not too late—especially if you find an accelerated or private course.
Late-stage antenatal classes can still provide valuable insights into pain relief, labour positions, and postpartum care. You may miss out on longer discussions or group bonding, but the essential content can still be covered in a shorter format.
If you're close to your due date and haven’t yet attended any antenatal classes, look for crash courses or online antenatal classes that offer flexible scheduling.
When Should a Pregnant Woman Start Antenatal?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and it depends on what kind of antenatal care you’re referring to. If you're asking about antenatal classes, as mentioned earlier, starting between 28 to 32 weeks is ideal.
However, antenatal care more broadly—including medical check-ups and scans—should start as soon as a woman discovers she is pregnant. Early antenatal appointments help monitor the baby’s development, screen for potential issues, and provide nutritional and lifestyle advice.
So while medical antenatal care should begin early in the pregnancy, antenatal classes are best started in the third trimester to align with the timing of birth preparation.
What Happens If You Don't Do Antenatal?
Choosing not to attend antenatal classes doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy pregnancy or a positive birth experience. However, skipping antenatal classes can leave you feeling underprepared for the challenges of labour, delivery, and early parenting.
Here are a few things you might miss:
Understanding your pain relief options
Learning signs of labour and when to go to the hospital
Knowing what to expect from hospital protocols
Building confidence in breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
Knowing how to support your partner effectively
Meeting other parents-to-be for shared experiences
Many people who skip antenatal classes later say they wish they’d taken the time to attend. While online resources can help, nothing beats the reassurance and interaction that comes with structured antenatal classes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're feeling confident or overwhelmed, antenatal classes are a powerful way to gain knowledge, reduce fear, and foster a sense of readiness for the journey ahead. From learning how to breathe through contractions to understanding newborn sleep cycles, antenatal classes empower parents with essential skills and community support.
Don’t underestimate the impact of these sessions. Find a class that fits your schedule, style, and needs—whether it’s in-person or virtual—and give yourself the gift of preparation. After all, childbirth and parenting don’t come with manuals, but antenatal classes are the next best thing.
At Nurturing Maternity Support, whatever your needs, we can tailor our antenatal classes to suit you—whether you’re looking for a group session, private support, or a refresher course.
