Antenatal classes: what they cover and how to find one

Antenatal classes help you prepare for labour, birth and looking after your newborn, and they’re a good way to meet other parents-to-be. Here’s what the NHS says.

What NHS antenatal classes cover

The NHS says antenatal classes cover a range of labour and birth topics, such as:

Diet: how to stay healthy and have a good diet while you’re pregnant
Exercise: what types of exercise are good for keeping fit in pregnancy
Labour: what to expect
Relaxation: how to relax while you’re pregnant and after you’ve had your baby
Ways of giving birth: different birth methods and interventions
After the birth: how to look after your newborn, and how you can stay healthy
Emotional wellbeing: how you might feel during and after your pregnancy

The NHS says classes are usually informal and sociable, which makes them a great place to meet other parents-to-be.

When to start and how to book

The NHS says antenatal classes usually start 8 to 10 weeks before your baby is born, and happen once a week for about 2 hours. Ask your midwife, health visitor or GP for details of classes near you and how to book.

If you’ve had a baby before, the NHS says you may still benefit from a refresher class, and classes are a good way to meet other parents-to-be.

Free NHS classes and paid options

The NHS says its antenatal classes are free. Ask your midwife, health visitor or GP for details.

There are also paid options. The NHS mentions that the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) offers paid-for antenatal courses, and refresher courses for parents who already have a child. If you’d like a one-to-one hypnobirthing course, the NHS suggests looking for a local accredited hypnobirthing teacher.

It’s your choice whether to go to a free class, a paid class, both or neither. We don’t recommend any particular provider.

Classes for partners

The NHS says you can choose classes that are just for pregnant women, or classes that welcome a partner or a friend. Some offer classes specifically for single mothers or teenagers.

The NHS encourages partners to go to antenatal classes, because the more you know about what happens during labour and birth, the more support you’ll be able to offer. See a partner’s guide to pregnancy.

If you’re expecting twins or more

The main NHS antenatal classes page doesn’t cover twins. Some NHS hospitals run free classes for parents expecting twins or more. For example, University Hospitals Sussex runs one and says to go when you’re around 28 weeks pregnant. Ask your midwife what’s available where you are.

The NHS says around 6 in 10 twins are born before 37 weeks, and that it’s a good idea to discuss your birth options with your midwife or consultant early in your pregnancy. See twin pregnancy.

Online classes

The NHS says lots of antenatal courses and workshops are available online. Ask your midwife or doctor about online classes, as they may be able to recommend one. The NHS mentions free online classes from Babycentre, and online NCT classes in small groups with people who live near you.

Hypnobirthing

The NHS says hypnobirthing combines deep relaxation and breathing techniques, visualisation and self-hypnosis. It aims to help you feel confident and calm, and encourage an easier labour. It’s something you and your birth partner can learn together.

You can ask your midwife about local antenatal courses that include hypnobirthing. The NHS says some NCT courses include elements of it. For other ways to cope with labour, see pain relief in labour.

Thinking about your birth plan

Classes cover labour and different ways of giving birth, so they can help you think about what you’d like on the day. See writing a birth plan.

Questions people ask

When should I start antenatal classes?

The NHS says classes usually start 8 to 10 weeks before your baby is born. Ask your midwife, health visitor or GP about classes near you and how to book.

Are NHS antenatal classes free?

Yes. The NHS says its antenatal classes are free.

Can my partner come?

Many classes welcome a partner or a friend. Some are just for pregnant women, so check when you book.

Is it worth going if this isn’t my first baby?

The NHS says you may still benefit from a refresher class, and it’s a good way to meet other parents-to-be.

Can I do antenatal classes online?

Yes. The NHS says lots of courses and workshops are available online, and your midwife or doctor may be able to recommend one.