If you are pregnant in the UK, you have a statutory right to attend antenatal classes (provided you are the pregnant person), and taking paid National Childbirth Trust (NCT) courses, which are provided by a charity across the nation, or NHS courses, which are free to the public and state-funded, is especially popular. You can choose between them or take both courses, as well as online courses like unii.com’s and additional private courses like hypnobirthing. Most women start antenatal classes after around thirty weeks, though you may be advised to begin as early as 24 weeks if you are expecting twins or greater multiples. In Unii’s humble opinion, making time for antenatal education will come back to you tenfold. There is always more you could know (and ask!) about late pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postpartum period, and you will benefit from learning and sharing with other parents at a similar life stage. Course choice-wise, you are limited only by the time and fees you have available, as well as your desire to learn. Unii’s course is designed to be comprehensive and can be taken by our members anytime and anywhere. It is taught by nine healthcare professionals, including two senior NHS midwives and an award-winning obstetrician and gynaecologist. Here are some key differences between National Childbirth Trust classes and NHS antenatal classes.

What This Course Covers:	NHS antenatal courses vary according to the needs of the location in which they are held However, there are some core areas that are always covered. The key topics covered by NHS antenatal classes are: Health in pregnancy, including a healthy diet Exercises to keep you fit and active during pregnancy What happens during labour and birth Coping with labour and information about different types of pain relief How to help yourself during labour and birth Relaxation techniques Information about different kinds of birth and interventions, such as forceps or vacuum delivery Caring for your baby, including feeding Your health after the birth Refresher classes for those who've already had a baby Emotions and feelings during pregnancy, birth and after Some NHS courses cover all these topics. Others focus on certain aspects, such as exercises and relaxation, or caring for the baby.	The NCT has five core course themes that cover a range of topics: 1.Planning for a positive birth experience Deciding where to have your baby, local options and care Changing hormones and going into labour Stages of labour & birth Induction of labour and when help is needed Caesarean birth and recovery Helping yourself & supporting through labour and birth Pain management options Meeting your baby & what happens immediately after birth 2.Getting to know and caring for your baby Your baby's experience moving from the womb to the world Understanding your baby's cues and how they sleep, wake and rest Learning what your baby's nappy tells you and how to change them Washing and bathing your baby Soothing and calming your baby Exploring where your baby sleeps and how to keep them safe Your relationship with your baby and how they develop and learn 3. Feeding your baby How to get breastfeeding off to a good start Understanding your baby's reflexes and cues Understanding how breastfeeding works Night feeds and sleeping Expressing How to tell that all is going well Different positions for feeding and how to try them Different challenges Where and how to get support 4.Wellbeing before and after birth Knowing what makes you feel good and keeps you well Physical and mental health after birth Relaxation techniques Coping with lack of sleep Changing relationships & adjusting to life as a family Sources of support for you and your family Making plans 5.Your family, relationships and finding support Becoming a parent Changing relationships Growing a support network Accessing professional help and support Negotiating advice and support from peers, family and friends
Other Course Benefits	Community based You may get a tour of the maternity unit where you will give birth! Free Usually taught by midwives Evidence-based and state-reviewed	Access to a digital hub for parents Course leaders trained to create an inclusive, pro-bonding environment Modern, up-to-date information Very widely available You don't have to be an NCT member to take a course Online and in-person course options
Location	NHS Hospitals and Birthing Centres	Over 300 branches around the UK
Led by	Usually midwives	Classes are run by people who have trained and qualified to be antenatal practitioners from the University of Worcester. They are licensed by the NCT and receive continued professional development.
Timing	Most start when you're around 30-32 weeks pregnant, although if you're expecting twins or multiples they may start around 24 weeks. You may need to sign up early to get the sessions you want.	Ideally, the course you choose will end 3-7 weeks before you're due, but that can be extended to 2-9 weeks. The courses that are ideal for your due date are highlighted when you do a course search on the NCT website.

Are NCT antenatal classes worth it?

Whether any course is “worth it” can depend on your time, location, and resources, but we believe the answer is yes. The NCT is a highly respected childbirth educator that’s been supporting parents in some iteration for over half a century and moves with the most up-to-date evidence and advice.

Are NHS antenatal classes worth it?

Again, our answer is yes, absolutely. Beyond the top-class content, Unii believes NHS course instructors—typically their midwives—are the best antenatal teachers in the world; that’s why two of them lead our exclusive antenatal course.

For more advice on taking care of yourself in pregnancy, labour, and birth, check out Unii’s Antenatal Classes, with prenatal video episodes taught by senior NHS midwives, an award-winning obstetrician and gynaecologist, and six other leading healthcare experts. Only at unii.com.

NCT Antenatal Classes, NHS Antenatal Classes or Alternatives: Which are right for me?