Antenatal Classes
Antenatal Classes provide information on guidelines and education on the preparation before, during and after delivery.
What topics do antenatal classes cover?
Should my husband accompany me to these classes?
What are antenatal classes?
Antenatal classes may come in various forms, but all have the same aim which is to help you for labour, birth, and early parenthood. These days, it is common for hospitals to offer these classes as part of antenatal care. In case, you are visiting a private gynaecologist (which is the case most of the time), ask her if she can recommend antenatal classes in your area or in a nearby hospital. Before you attend these classes, just remember to check that the instructor is properly trained.
Why go to antenatal classes?
Labour and birth also have a great social function. These classes are a great place to meet other parents-to-be.
The content of the classes will vary, but should include some of the following:
- Information about the process of labour and childbirth.
- What-to-expect details of medical procedures and interventions.
- The latest research suggestions about possible physical preparations for labour and childbirth.
- Advice on relaxation techniques.
- The opportunity to learn about and experiment with different birth positions.
- A guide to pain relief choices.
- The chance to learn and try out massage skills and breathing techniques.
- The time to ask questions and rehearse the possible decisions you may have to make during the course of your labour.
- Some indication of the changes you might experience after the birth and in early parenthood.
Whatever the class, the idea is that both you and your partner will acquire the skills and confidence needed to make birth a positive experience. You can get all your questions answered at these classes, be well informed about pregnancy and childbirth.
This will allay any fears you may have and help you enjoy your pregnancy. Most importantly, it will help you to bond with your baby before he\she is born.
What topics do antenatal classes cover?
Antenatal classes generally cover topics such as:
- Looking after yourself in pregnancy, including suggestions about good nutrition preparation of healthy foods and what not to eat.
- Emotional and physical changes you might experience during pregnancy.
- Care of your back.
- Exercise (including pelvic floor exercises.)
- Practice of various breathing techniques for managing pain in labour.
- Options available for a pain-free delivery.
- Relaxation techniques.
- Yoga postures for maintaining flexibility and stamina.
Traditional remedies to handle common problems associated with pregnancy such as nausea, back pain, etc.
- Talking about the various antenatal screening tests.
- Preparing for labour and the birth.
- Using music and reading to bond with your unborn baby.
- Maintaining good communication between you and your spouse throughout pregnancy.
- Interactive discussions on preparing mind and body for pregnancy and beyond.
- Learning the art of a proper massage for you and the baby.
- Learning how to diaper and swaddle your baby.
- Breastfeeding and its benefits.
Should my husband accompany me to these classes?
These days it is common practice for both partners to be involved in the preparations for labour and birth and for a father to bond with his unborn child. For many men, these classes offer a specific time to focus on the pregnancy, which can make the process more real for them. It's also a good opportunity to meet other fathers-to-be.
Aquanatal exercise classes.
Aquanatal exercise classes are great fun and catching up in our country too. It provides you with an opportunity to exercise and socialise with other mums-to-be. These exercises are particularly good for pregnant women as they don't strain your body. The water supports your weight and makes you more buoyant. You don't have to be able to swim, either, as you can do them in water that's hip deep.
Aquanatal exercises are suitable from early pregnancy until your water has broken, unless there are medical reasons why you should not take part. However, you need to check that your instructor is qualified to teach antenatal exercises, not just water aerobics.
Yoga Exercise
Yoga Asanas or exercises are ways of moving or holding the body in different positions.
Yoga has several exercises or postures that work wonders on a woman’s health and in pregnancy conditions. Varying widely in application and style, these exercises (postures) gently stretch and explore all parts of your body.
During pregnancy, yoga Asanas are a gentle way to keep you active and supple. The remarkable effects of these postures in pregnancy show the power of yoga for ensuring a smooth pregnancy, natural childbirth and restoration of body shape after childbirth.
How Pregnancy Yoga Exercises Can Help?
Relieving edema (fluid retention) and cramping which can be quite common in the last months.
Influencing the position of the baby and turning it in advance if needed. Strengthening and massaging the abdomen which help stimulate bowel action and appetite.
Raising the level of energy while also helping in slowing the metabolism to restore calm and focus.
Helping to reduce nausea, morning sickness and mood swings in combination with pranayamas (yogic breathing).
Focus on relieving tension around the cervix and birth canal.
Focus on opening the pelvis to make labour easier and quicker.
