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When to start antenatal classes?
When should you start antenatal classes?
CubCare Antenatal Classes postnatal reunion
CubCare Antenatal Classes postnatal reunion
When should you start antenatal classes?
Most antenatal classes begin between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, but many people benefit from starting to research classes much earlier.
Looking at antenatal options after your 12-week dating scan and beginning structured preparation around 20–25 weeks gives you time to understand how labour works, practise preparation techniques, and feel confident before the final weeks of pregnancy.
Many parents don’t start thinking about antenatal classes until the third trimester. By that point courses are often fully booked and there is
much less time to learn, practise, and build confidence ahead of birth.
Starting earlier doesn’t mean doing everything at once. It means giving yourself time to understand your options and prepare in a calm,
informed way.
In this guide we’ll look at:
• when most antenatal classes begin
• when to book your place
• why many people start preparing too late
• what good antenatal education should include
• whether antenatal classes are necessary if you’re giving birth in hospital
When should you book antenatal classes?
The best time to start researching antenatal classes is after your dating scan (around 11–14 weeks).
This gives you time to explore local options, read reviews, understand what each provider teaches, and choose classes that genuinely prepare
you for birth rather than simply filling an evening in late pregnancy.
Ideally, you’ll want to book your antenatal classes by around 20 weeks. Many high-quality courses fill up months in advance. That being said,
make sure you do thorough research and don't book a class simply because it's popular. It might be down to good marketing and with no clear information about course content.
Leaving it until the third trimester doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance — but it often means fewer options and less time to practise the techniques you’re learning.
CubCare Antenatal Class graduates
CubCare Pregnancy Yoga - to prepare your body
What week do antenatal classes usually start?
Most antenatal courses begin between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
This timing allows people to learn about labour and birth while the experience still feels close enough to remember, but before the final weeks become physically demanding.
However, most parents would actually benefit from starting to learn earlier, especially if they want time to practise breathing techniques, movement strategies and birth partner support.
Some people also begin exploring pregnancy and birth education even earlier through books, online courses or antenatal education resources.
If you are still in early pregnancy and trying to understand what’s happening in your body, the First Trimester Hub explains what’s common in weeks 4–12 and what actually matters in early pregnancy.
Why many people start antenatal preparation too late
A common pattern in pregnancy is waiting until the third trimester before thinking seriously about birth.
By that stage:
• appointments are increasing
• energy levels are dropping
• labour suddenly feels very close
Trying to learn everything about labour, birth positions, coping techniques and recovery within a few weeks can feel overwhelming.
Starting earlier allows time to:
• understand how labour actually works
• practise breathing and relaxation techniques
• learn how movement and positioning help birth progress
• involve your birth partner fully
• make informed decisions about interventions and options
Preparing gradually throughout pregnancy tends to feel calmer and more manageable.
What do you learn in antenatal classes?
Antenatal classes vary widely depending on the provider.
The best courses usually cover:
• how labour works physiologically
• practical ways to cope with contractions
• movement and positioning during labour
• different pain relief options and how they affect labour
• navigating the maternity system and making informed decisions
• birth partner support techniques
• postnatal recovery
• feeding and caring for your baby
Some courses also include elements of hypnobirthing, active birth and biomechanics, helping you understand how your body moves and adapts
during labour.
Understanding the mechanics of pregnancy and birth can make a huge difference. Our Pregnancy Pain & Movement Hub explores the biomechanics of pregnancy, posture and pelvic movement in much more depth.
Do you need antenatal classes if you are giving birth in hospital?
Many people assume antenatal classes aren’t necessary if they plan to give birth in hospital.
Hospital care focuses primarily on clinical monitoring and medical safety. NHS Antenatal classes will often take you through the standard hospital process.
Independent antenatal education focuses on understanding how labour works and how you can work with your body during birth.
Antenatal classes help you learn:
• how labour progresses
• how movement and positioning can help birth
• how to cope with contractions
• how to make informed decisions if interventions are suggested
Even if you plan a hospital birth, antenatal education can help you feel more confident navigating the maternity system and understanding the choices available to you.
Are antenatal classes only for first-time parents?
Not at all.
Many people attend antenatal classes, or do our online Refresher Antenatal Course during subsequent pregnancies because:
• birth experiences may have been very different from expectations
• maternity guidelines and options change over time
• they want a different birth experience
• birth partners want to feel more involved and prepared
Refresher antenatal courses can help parents update their knowledge and prepare for birth again with greater confidence.
What should you look for when choosing antenatal classes?
Every antenatal provider teaches something slightly different.
When researching classes, it’s worth considering:
What is taught
Do the classes cover labour physiology, coping techniques, birth partner support and postnatal recovery?
Who teaches the course
Is the teacher experienced and qualified? Can you get a feel for their teaching style beforehand?
Local reputation
Reviews from previous parents can tell you a lot about how helpful the course actually is.
Environment and setting
Is there space to practise movement and labour positions? Will you feel comfortable asking questions?
Antenatal education works best when it gives you practical understanding and confidence — not just information.
What is a CubCare antenatal class?
CubCare antenatal education is designed to prepare you for pregnancy, birth and the early months with your baby in a practical and supportive way.
Courses combine elements of:
• hypnobirthing
• active birth
• biomechanics and body awareness
• navigating the NHS maternity system
• birth partner preparation
• postnatal recovery and early parenting
The aim is to help you understand how labour works, how your body moves during birth, and how you and your birth partner can work together during labour.
Courses include preparation for different birth scenarios, including induction, water birth, caesarean birth and recovery afterwards.
For parents expecting another baby, CubCare also offers a Refresher Antenatal Course, focusing on preparing for a new birth experience and addressing previous experiences.
What about free antenatal classes?
Many NHS maternity units offer free antenatal sessions, and these can provide useful insight into local policies and hospital procedures.
However, these sessions are often relatively short and may not cover birth physiology, coping techniques and postnatal preparation in depth.
Many parents choose to combine NHS classes with independent antenatal education so they receive both local medical information and deeper preparation for labour and birth.
I offer some free antenatal education videos, and a host of blogs on antenatal education, because it is so important for people to be prepared for birth.
Preparing for birth with confidence
Understanding how labour works, how your body moves during birth, and how to navigate the maternity system can transform how you experience pregnancy and labour.
The CubCare Antenatal Course explores birth physiology, hypnobirthing, biomechanics, navigating the NHS, labour coping strategies and postnatal recovery in depth.
The aim is simple: to help you feel informed, prepared and confident long before labour begins.
Some special client words about CubCare Antenatal Classes
“This labour was SO much better than the first. Your CubCare refresher antenatal course helped so much for the labour, it was much calmer than the first and much more controlled. The breathing techniques were so helpful – I breathed her out!”
“I felt completely in control for the entire 26 hour labour – I just felt so calm, the breaths were incredible and the consultant commented on how she couldn’t believe I’d refused an epidural. I felt confident enough to question and on occasion challenge recommendations of the midwives so that the birth ended up being as natural as possible! A very positive experience to look back on. Thank you!!”
"Jilly has a talent for creating a really welcoming, friendly and safe space which is great for mums and babies alike. The CubCare Antenatal classes are informative and fun, yet relaxed, and centrered around the babies, so it’s fine if one is crying, another is asleep and one is having a nappy change!"
Download our Freebies
Labour and Birth
Watch our introduction to antenatal education webinar, our labour and birth overview - to start your antenatal education journey. Understanding the process, and what you can do to influence it.
Pregnancy Planner
Free Pregnancy Planner to help you prepare for a little one. Prepare your body, your mind, your finances and your home. Get organised, feel good and prepare for an active, positive birth.
Birth Partner Guide
Your ultimate guide to being the best birth partner during pregnancy, birth and recovery. Learn what you need to do, and what you need to learn to be the best birth partner possible.
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