When you’re expecting a baby, a million questions about parenting run through your mind, and you’re not sure whom to talk to about those. Antenatal classes are a good way to focus on your pregnancy and prepare yourself and your spouse for the arrival of your little one.
What are antenatal classes?
Antenatal classes are designed to help new parents on their journey to parenthood. They are designed for expectant mothers in the second and third trimester. Antenatal classes help you get in-depth information not just about labour and delivery, but also about what to expect in the days ahead with a newborn. With the first-hand information you gain, you may have a better birth experience, and also smoother initial weeks.
Also, given that there are other couples expecting a baby at around the same time like you, an antenatal class is an excellent place to make new friends with parents of babies of roughly the same age as yours – think of future play dates!
What to expect from your antenatal class
You may want to shop around before you commit to one class, because the content of every class may differ slightly. Most antenatal classes, however, focus on the labour and birthing process. Others may provide you and your spouse with a more holistic experience that prepares you to be parents, and more importantly, equal partners in parenthood.
Topics that an antenatal class would typically cover include:
- Health and nutrition
- Body changes in pregnancy, such as dermatological changes owing to pregnancy hormones
- Exercise and physiotherapy in pregnancy
- Prenatal yoga and asanas to help you maintain flexibility and stamina through pregnancy
- Emotional changes in pregnancy
- The growth and development of your baby in the womb
- Labour management, which may include breathing exercises and relaxation techniques
- An overview of pain relief techniques and medication (to be decided in consultation with your doctor, if need be)
- Lifestyle changes after the birth of the baby
- Caring for your baby
- Breastfeeding
- Bonding with your spouse
Discuss what you want from an antenatal class with your spouse, and set your expectations and priorities as a couple.
This will help you narrow down on the class that best meets your requirements. Your doctor is a good resource to get recommendations for antenatal classes.
Use the ‘us’ time at your antenatal class to bond better with your spouse. This will help you make informed decisions when the time comes.
Even if this is not your first pregnancy, and some of the topics may seem ‘obvious’ or familiar, you and your spouse would still benefit from a fresh perspective. You may also get answers to questions and possible scenarios that you had never considered.
Why you should sign up for couples’ class
While there are antenatal classes specifically for women, consider signing up for couples’ classes instead. This is a great opportunity to bond with your spouse and get some quality time together before the baby is here.
