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Antenatal Classes: What Are They and How Can They Help?

Written by Amina Hatia RM
Marley Hall
Medically reviewed by Marley Hall

Finding out you’re pregnant is incredibly exciting, but it’s also completely understandable to suddenly have a million questions. What’s ‘normal’ in pregnancy? What isn’t? What kind of birth can you have? And why do you need to pee so much?

With so much information available online, from websites and forums to social media, videos and books and then all the people you barely know giving you advice, it can quickly feel overwhelming to work out what advice is reliable, relevant and right for you. This is where antenatal education can really help: by giving you access to clear, evidence-based information and the opportunity to ask questions and explore your options with experienced midwives.

So, what are antenatal classes, and how can they help? Below, we tackle some of the most common myths.

Myth 1

Antenatal classes are all about breathing exercises and “natural birth”.

This is one of the most common misconceptions. Antenatal education isn’t about teaching you how to give birth or telling you what choices to make. Every pregnancy, birth and baby is different, and there is no single “right” way to give birth or become a parent.

Our Complete Antenatal Course is designed to help you understand:

  • what is happening in your body during pregnancy and labour
  • what choices are available to you
  • what different care pathways may look like
  • how to prepare for a range of possible birth scenarios.

When you understand your options and feel informed, you are better placed to make decisions that feel right for you and your baby.

Myth 2

Antenatal classes are just about labour and birth.

While labour and birth are important, antenatal education is about much more than that. Evidence and research highlights the importance of preparing for pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.

The Complete Antenatal Course is a comprehensive, self-directed programme that covers pregnancy, labour, birth and life with a new baby. You work through the learning at your own pace, with ongoing access to midwifery support.

Topics include:

  • Pregnancy and Antenatal Care
    Understanding routine NHS care, appointments, screening, and your choices during pregnancy.
  • Mind and Body Preparation
    Exploring the physical and emotional aspects of labour and birth, including coping strategies and wellbeing.
  • Labour and Birth
    Recognising the signs of labour, understanding the stages, and knowing when and how to seek support.
  • Birth Pathways and Options
    Evidence-based information on induction of labour, pain relief options, assisted birth and caesarean birth, so you feel prepared for different possibilities.
  • Your New Baby
    Normal newborn behaviour, safe sleep, early bonding, and knowing when to seek help.
  • Postnatal Recovery and Early Parenthood
    Physical recovery, emotional wellbeing, and adjusting to life as a new parent.
  • Feeding Your Baby
    Evidence-based information on breastfeeding, responsive feeding and where to get support.
  • Baby First Aid and Safety
    Common illnesses, when to seek medical help, and keeping your baby safe.

Myth 3

You can find out everything you need on the internet anyway.

The internet can be a helpful starting point, but it can also be confusing, contradictory and anxiety-provoking. Antenatal education helps you make sense of information by grounding it in evidence, research, current NHS practice and national guidance.

A key part of the Complete Antenatal Course is access to real midwives. Alongside self-directed learning, you can:

  • join weekly live and interactive “Ask the Midwife” sessions
  • ask questions in real time
  • access email and Zoom support from midwives when needed.

This means you’re not left trying to work things out alone – you have ongoing, professional support throughout your pregnancy and into early parenthood.

Myth 4

Antenatal classes are only for pregnant women.

Antenatal education is just as important for birth partners and supporters. Data and evidence recognises the vital role partners play during labour, birth and the postnatal period.

The course supports partners to:

  • understand what happens during labour and birth
  • learn practical ways to offer support
  • feel confident and involved.

Because the course is online and self-directed, partners can join in flexibly. You can join together or from different locations, making it easier to fit around work, family life and other commitments.

Myth 5

It all feels like hard work.

Preparing for a baby is a big transition, but antenatal education shouldn’t feel overwhelming. One of the benefits of a self-directed online course is flexibility: you can learn in your own time, revisit topics, and focus on what feels most relevant to you.

The live midwife sessions are relaxed, supportive and informal. You’re encouraged to join in as much or as little as feels right, and recordings and follow-up resources are available so there’s no pressure to take notes or remember everything.

The aim is simple: to help you feel informed, supported and confident, not overloaded.

Want to Learn More?

The Complete Antenatal Course combines self-directed learning with ongoing access to experienced midwives through weekly live sessions and personalised support. It’s designed to fit around real life, while ensuring you have trusted, evidence-based information and someone to talk to when questions arise.

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