O que você aprende nas aulas de pré-natal e quais são os benefícios?

O que são aulas pré-natais?

"Antenatal courses are for groups of expectant parents who usually attend during their third trimester," says Val Willcox, practice manager at the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). The third trimester begins around week 28 of gravidez and lasts until you give birth, which is often around week 40 of pregnancy.

She says: "Where possible, the parents attending live in the same area and will be expecting their baby or babies at a similar time."

Os cursos pré-natais geralmente são divididos em várias aulas ao longo de semanas, ou ao longo de um mês. As aulas pré-natais geralmente são realizadas uma vez por semana e duram duas horas. No entanto, pode haver aulas extras para cobrir assuntos com muita informação, como alimentação. Normalmente, ambos os pais podem participar das aulas pré-natais, e os parceiros são incentivados a se juntar. Algumas áreas podem oferecer aulas para pais solteiros ou aulas em diferentes idiomas.

Often, antenatal classes cover what happens in trabalho de parto and delivery, and the different interventions that can be used. This helps mulheres grávidas feel prepared and ensure they are able to make informed decisions. Antenatal classes may also include how to make a plano de parto, técnicas para lidar com o trabalho de parto e informações sobre alívio da dor. Os futuros pais também poderão fazer perguntas ao líder da classe, falar sobre seus planos e expressar quaisquer preocupações que possam ter.

"The benefits of NCT antenatal courses are that parents will be empowered to make decisions about how they want to approach birth and the early parentalidade period," says Willcox. "Expectant parents can learn more about what is involved and the evidence behind different approaches."

Antenatal classes are also a good way to meet other expectant parents. Caring for a newborn baby can be a scary and isolante time, particularly for first-time parents. Friends made at antenatal classes can meet up and support each other through the first few months after birth. Antenatal classes allow new parents to make lifelong friends, and build strong redes de apoio.

It's normal for new parents to feel anxious and nervous about the road ahead. However, research shows antenatal education can help to reduce fears surrounding birth, and lower feelings of estresse e ansiedade in pregnant women.

"We believe that sharing evidence-based information and providing opportunities for expectant parents to explore their options helps them feel mais confiante sobre o trabalho, nascimento e primeiros cuidados parentais," diz Willcox. "Também lhes dá a chance de discutir como se sentem com os colegas e praticar novas habilidades."

A separate study found women who attended classes were more satisfied with the experience of childbirth and were less likely to have an over-medicalised birth. Research also shows that parceiros benefit from attending antenatal classes, with them reporting feeling more prepared for birth and better able to fulfil their supportive roles.

You can search for antenatal classes near you online or on mídias sociais. Often, groups are held at community centres, local halls and churches. You can search for local NCT groups on its site. Sua parteira, visitante de saúde ou médico também pode ser capaz de direcioná-la para um grupo local de pré-natal. As aulas do NHS são gratuitas, mas as aulas do NCT podem cobrar uma taxa.

Antenatal classes are often oversubscribed and can get booked up quickly, so it's a good idea to book your place in advance. If you aren't able to attend classes in person, classes are frequently held online on Zoom or Microsoft Teams. BabyCentre also runs free online antenatal classes through pre-recorded videos, so you can learn about labour and experiência in your own time.