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• Antenatal depression: Fear may be one symptom of depression during
pregnancy.

What you can do

If you feel anxious:

• Join a pregnancy class: There are lots to choose from. They help you to feel more
prepared, in control and confident. You may also make new friends. Hypnobirthing
is particularly helpful for maintaining calm confidence in pregnancy labour and birth

• Talk about it: Explain your feelings to your partner or birth partner.

• Think positive: Women’s bodies are made to give birth. Most births are
straightforward. Surround yourself with positive stories. Remind yourself of other
new challenges you have coped with. Believe that you can give birth.

• Find out the facts: Take control by reading up on your choices. This can include
everything from where you have your baby, pain relief options and who you have
with you. You can read more here.

What is antenatal education for and what should it look like?

At Frombumps2babies we believe that all expectant mothers and fathers
should be helped to prepare for birth and parenthood and that groups and
classes in pregnancy have been important to generations of expectant mothers
and fathers. However, local provision varies in quality and accessibility and in
some places has become patchy. Fathers can feel excluded, and some
midwives report that they feel ill-prepared to run groups and that the work is
seen as a low priority. At the same time information technology and social
networking are changing how new mothers and fathers learn and prepare for
what will be the most significant change in their life.

Choosing a class

Think about what you hope to gain from antenatal classes so that you can find
the sort of class that suits you best. Places in antenatal classes can get booked
up early. It's a good idea to start making enquiries early in pregnancy so that
you can secure a place in the class that you choose. You can attend more than
one class. Ask your midwife, health visitor or GP, or look on the internet for
local groups. Speak to your community midwife if you can't go to classes.

The classes

Most antenatal classes start around 8-10 weeks before your baby is due, when
you are around 30-32 weeks pregnant. If you're expecting twins, start your
classes when you're around 28 weeks pregnant because your babies are more
likely to be born early. Some units offer antenatal classes for women expecting
multiples – ask your midwife about this.