What are Antenatal Classes?
Antenatal Classes also known as Parent Craft Classes are information sessions lasting approximately 2 hours long (once per week for 2 or 3 weeks) that are aimed at providing parents with information required about pregnancy, labour and birth and care of the new born baby.
Sessions can be delivered in a group setting or privately at home depending on parents’ preferences. The kinds of topics covered by antenatal classes include: Health and exercise, physical and emotional changes, what to expect in labour and birth, managing discomfort, relaxation techniques, information about different kinds of birth and interventions, caring for your baby, mums health after the birth, and “refresher classes”.
The optimum time to either attend either a group or private antenatal session when you are around 30-32 weeks pregnant. If you’re expecting twins you should start your classes when you’re around 24 weeks pregnant because your babies are more likely to be born early. Antenatal sessions can be tailor made to suit your individual needs.