It’s worth finding out as much as you can about what to expect at the birth of your baby, and antenatal classes are an excellent way of doing this.

Antenatal classes can:

1. Tell you what your choices are in various circumstances (for example, for pain relief). 
2. Tell you what facilities are available at your local maternity units for labour and birth. 
3. Help you understand what’s happening so you can make informed decisions. 
4. Teach you special techniques for coping with labour, like relaxation and breathing. 
5. Make you feel more confident and less anxious. 
6. Give you a chance to ask questions. 
7. Introduce you to new friends who are all around the same stage of pregnancy as you are.

A mum's view

Bounty mum xxxEviexxx says "NCT classes are well worth going to – they open you up to a wide network of people who are all in the same boat as you. I’d also recommend going to the hospital sessions so you see the maternity ward and it’s not a surprise when you arrive there (it’s good to know where the lift is!)."

Support

Antenatal classes usually begin in the seventh or eighth month, but you may well need to book them earlier. There are various kinds of classes, and most are designed for couples to attend together.

However, if your partner isn’t going to be present at the birth, or you haven’t got a partner, your mum, sister or best friend could come along to the classes with you instead. It will help them to support you better when the time comes.

1. Your local hospital may run classes; ask your midwife for information. These classes are free and can give you a good idea of what’s available at the hospital to help you cope during labour.
2. The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) has branches all over the country and their trained antenatal teachers cover all aspects of giving birth. Their classes have free places for women on a low income. 
3. Both hospitals and the NCT may run short refresher classes for second-time mums. 
4. Exercise and active birth classes may also be available – ask your midwife.
5. Even if you don’t go to antenatal classes, it’s worth organising a visit to your local hospital, if that’s where you want to have your baby. They can show you round and explain what’s available – then the place won’t seem unfamiliar when you arrive in the middle of labour.