Antenatal classes are put in place by the Government to prepare expectant parents for what is to come during pregnancy, birth and the weeks that come after the baby is born. Of course some parents are well versed in all the topics covered, but it is a good idea to attend to feel connected to other parents and to have an expert to talk to on a weekly basis about any queries you might have.

Any topic can be brought up during antenatal classes, either by other couples or by yourself if you feel something hasn't been covered. Besides covering parent's questions the antenatal teacher will cover set topics as the weeks progress. Sometimes you may attend antenatal classes which only cover labor and baby care after birth, if you are nearing or in the third trimester of pregnancy and there are antenatal classes for certain groups such as same sex parents and teenage parents.

For convenience's sake we will start at the beginning and explain that under pregnancy, an antenatal class teacher will take you through diet, fitness, posture, bathing, exercises (including pelvic floor) cleaning your teeth safely, fetal development, piles, constipation and sexual intercourse during pregnancy. There are also various antenatal classes that will be dedicated to fathers or partners about how to help during pregnancy and how to feel involved. So you see everything is covered and you will probably find each class goes into great detail on each subject.

The birth is probably the part of having a baby that you want to learn the most about and there's certainly no shortage of information given during antenatal classes. The teacher will often start with explaining labor, the types of birthing (home, caesarian, induction etc.), breathing exercises and birthing positions, how to recognize whether you're in labor, what happens step by step, options for pain relief and complications such as breech births. At some point you may also be invited to visit a maternity or labor ward so that you're familiar with the environment and the equipment that is used.

Antenatal classes don't just stop at birth either, they go as far as the weeks and months following labor and how to care for yourself and your baby. Topics include ways of feeding and problems you can encounter (mastitis for example), maternity pads and bras etc., equipment needed for you and your baby, nappy changing, classes on how fathers and partners can help, clothing, bathing, massage and sleeping routines, postnatal depression and also contraception for after the birth.

Remember that antenatal classes are designed to help you prepare for pregnancy birth and your baby, so if you feel that there's something that hasn't been covered then don't hesitate in bringing it up. If it's something awkward or embarrassing then perhaps approach the teacher at the end of the class and ask if it can be talked through in next week's class with everyone. Chances are the other parents in the class have been wondering about it too.

Stan Tian

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