What Happens in Antenatal Birth Preparation Classes? A Step-by-Step Look

Antenatal birth preparation classes are a cornerstone of pregnancy care, offering expectant parents invaluable insights, practical skills, and emotional support to navigate childbirth confidently. Whether you’re a first-time mum or adding to your family, these classes demystify the birthing process and empower you with tools to make informed decisions.

This article takes a step-by-step look at what happens during antenatal classes, the topics covered, and why they’re essential for a positive birth experience. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how these classes can prepare you for labour and beyond.

Why Attend Antenatal Birth Preparation Classes?

Antenatal classes provide a structured environment where you can learn about the stages of labour, pain management, postnatal care, and more. They also offer an opportunity to connect with other expectant parents and build a support network.

Key Benefits:

Education: Gain a clear understanding of what to expect during labour and delivery.

Confidence: Learn coping strategies for pain and stress management.

Support: Meet other parents-to-be and share experiences.

Involvement: Partners can actively participate, preparing them to provide support during labour.

Source: According to NHS England, antenatal classes improve maternal confidence, reduce anxiety, and enhance birth outcomes.

A Step-by-Step Look at Antenatal Classes

Antenatal classes typically take place over several weeks and cover a wide range of topics. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Introduction and Understanding Pregnancy

The first session often focuses on understanding your pregnancy journey, with an emphasis on how your body is preparing for labour. Topics include:

The physical changes during the third trimester.

The importance of prenatal care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Recognising signs that labour is approaching.

Tip: Bring any questions or concerns you have from your antenatal appointments to discuss with the instructor.

2. Stages of Labour Explained

Understanding the stages of labour is a key part of antenatal education. Sessions often include:

Early Labour: What contractions feel like, when to go to your antenatal clinic or hospital, and how to stay comfortable at home.

Active Labour: Techniques for managing pain, maintaining focus, and conserving energy.

Transition and Delivery: What to expect during the most intense phase and tips for effective pushing.

Source: The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) emphasises that knowledge of labour stages reduces fear and improves outcomes.

3. Pain Relief Options

One of the most empowering aspects of antenatal classes is learning about pain management strategies. These include:

Natural Techniques: Breathing exercises, antenatal yoga, and massage for pregnancy.

Medical Interventions: Epidurals, gas and air, and pethidine.

Many classes also include demonstrations or role-playing to help you practise coping strategies.

4. Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Breathing and relaxation are critical for managing labour. Expect hands-on practice with:

Deep Breathing: Helps calm your nervous system and manage contractions.

Hypnobirthing: Combines breathing with mindfulness and visualisation.

Massage Techniques: How your partner can use touch to alleviate tension and promote relaxation.

Evidence: A study in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice shows that breathing exercises improve maternal focus and reduce labour-related anxiety.

5. Labour Positions and Movement

Finding the right position can make labour more manageable. Classes often cover:

Standing, squatting, or kneeling positions to help with gravity and comfort.

Using birthing aids like balls or chairs.

The role of walking and movement during early labour.

Tip: Antenatal fitness, like prenatal yoga, prepares your body for these positions and improves flexibility.

6. Creating a Birth Plan

Your birth plan outlines your preferences for labour and delivery. During antenatal classes, you’ll learn how to create one and discuss:

Pain relief options and labour positions.

Preferences for birthing aids or water births.

Post-birth care choices, like delayed cord clamping or immediate skin-to-skin contact.

Discuss your plan with your midwife during antenatal checkups to ensure it aligns with your medical needs.

7. Postnatal Care and Recovery

Preparing for life after birth is just as important as labour preparation. Topics often include:

Physical recovery tips, including the use of antenatal vitamins.

Breastfeeding basics and common challenges.

Emotional wellbeing and recognising signs of postpartum depression.

8. Partner Involvement

Antenatal classes encourage partners to play an active role in birth preparation. They’ll learn:

How to support you during contractions with massage or breathing guidance.

The importance of emotional encouragement and advocacy in the delivery room.

Tips for bonding with the baby after birth.

Source: The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) offers classes designed specifically for partners, ensuring they feel prepared and confident.

9. Emergency Scenarios

While rare, complications can occur during labour. Antenatal classes prepare you for potential scenarios, such as:

Recognising signs of fetal distress.

Understanding emergency interventions, like a caesarean section.

How to stay calm and focus on the safety of you and your baby.

10. Connecting with Other Parents

Finally, antenatal classes provide a supportive community where you can share experiences and build friendships. Many parents continue to meet socially after their babies are born, creating a lasting support network.

Choosing the Right Antenatal Class

There are many options available, so it’s important to choose a class that suits your needs and preferences.

Types of Classes:

Hospital-Based Classes: Offered by your local antenatal clinic or maternity unit.

Private Classes: May include specialised topics, such as hypnobirthing or water birth preparation.

Virtual Classes: Ideal if you prefer the flexibility of learning from home.

Check with your midwife for recommendations or search for “antenatal classes near me” to find options in your area.

UK Resources for Antenatal Education

NHS Pregnancy Services: Provides free resources and information on antenatal education. Visit NHS Pregnancy Care

Tommy’s PregnancyHub: Offers expert advice on antenatal classes, relaxation techniques, and birth preparation. Visit Tommy’s

National Childbirth Trust (NCT): Runs antenatal classes and peer support groups across the UK. Visit NCT

Final Thoughts: Empower Yourself Through Antenatal Education

Antenatal birth preparation classes are an invaluable resource for expectant parents, offering knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate childbirth. From understanding labour stages to mastering breathing techniques, these classes provide everything you need for a positive and empowering experience.

By attending antenatal classes, you’ll gain more than just information—you’ll build a support network, strengthen your bond with your birth partner, and feel empowered to welcome your baby into the world. Whether in-person or online, these sessions are a key step in transforming fear into readiness and excitement.