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Antenatal classes

Antenatal classes (parent education classes) help you prepare for being a parent and give you the chance to meet other mums and partners. They’re a great opportunity for dads and partners to get involved too.

What happens at antenatal classes

Antenatal classes are a great way for you and your partner to meet other mums and partners
Public Health Scotland

At your antenatal class you’ll learn about:

Special classes

Some classes are for women only, others are for couples. Some are designed for different groups, such as:

  • young parents
  • mums from the same ethnic groups
  • partners and dads

If you’re in a same-sex relationship and are the non-birth mother, you have a right to go to antenatal classes for fathers and partners.

How to book antenatal classes

Ask your midwife what antenatal classes are available in your area and for help to decide which class is best for you. They will also be able to give you information on how to book. You can also look on the internet for websites with more information about classes in your area.

You should book your classes early so that you get a place in a class that suits you.

Where these classes are held

NHS classes are free and are usually run by midwives or obstetric physiotherapists.

These can include:

  • hypnobirthing
  • relaxation
  • physiotherapy

Non-NHS classes are available too, but you may need to pay for these.

How often they’re held

NHS antenatal classes usually run in 2 to 6 sessions towards the end of your pregnancy.

Some areas run early classes where you can find out more about:

Why you should attend

Classes can give you and your partner or birth partner a chance to ask questions and prepare for things that may happen during labour, birth and afterwards. You can practice some techniques together too, such as breathing exercises.

If your partner can’t get to all the classes, they may like to go to one or two.

If you don’t have a partner, you can go with whoever will be supporting you at the birth. This could be a friend or relative, or you can go on your own.

Further information and other languages and formats

Translations and alternative formats of this information are available from Public Health Scotland.

If you need a different language or format, please contact phs.otherformats@phs.scot.

Last updated:
19 December 2023

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