What are antenatal classes?

Antenatal classes may come in various forms, but all have the same aim — to help prepare you for labour, birth, and early parenthood. Those run by midwives or at your local hospital are free, but you may have to pay for other types, such as NCT classes and The Active Birth Centre or aquanatal exercise classes.

You may find it helpful to go to more than one type of class. Just remember when attending classes other than those run by your hospital or health centre to check that the teacher has been properly trained.