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Antenatal (intensive) course

So much information is thrown at you once you’re pregnant that it can be really hard to decide what suits you. We train our teachers to help parents work out how they want to approach labour and birth, rather than tell them the ‘right’ way.
Shona Gore, NCT Antenatal teacher tutor 

These courses are designed to cover the same topics as our standard courses but through longer sessions over a shorter time period. You will usually have between 12 and 15 hours with your teacher.

 

We keep our courses small and informal, so you will generally be in a group of eight women and their parents or supporters. Courses are usually in the evening or at weekends but daytime courses are available in some areas.

Most parents will be first-timers, but all mums and dads are welcome, whether it's your first or fifth baby.

Some courses offer women only sessions – please request further information when you register interest in your course if this would be relevant to you.

What do the courses cover?

Our courses focus on provide you with the information and skills you need to make your own decisions about your labour and birth. All courses are flexible to allow each group to focus on their own needs and spend more time on the topics that are most relevant to them.

Some of the topics we cover include:

  • Practical skills for labour, including breathing, massage and birth positions
  • Your pain relief choices
  • Realistic information on what happens during birth
  • Early days with your baby

Most parents find that bonding with their group is an important part of the antenatal course experience and helps them to create the support network they need for when their baby arrives. Most courses run a reunion session after all the babies have been born so you can swap stories and share the ups and downs of life as a parent.

What does the course cost?

NCT courses are priced according to the number of teaching hours and the area of the UK it takes place. You can find your nearest course through entering your postcode into our Course Finder.

We charge for courses in order to cover the costs to the charity for providing this service and to help us to provide services for all parents. Everyone is welcome to pay by installments and we offer discounts for parents in receipt of benefits or on lower incomes. Please request further information from the course administrator when you enquire about your course.