Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Key components of antenatal education for expectant mothers include:
- Preparing for labour and birth, including coping strategies and creating a birth plan.
- Supporting each other throughout pregnancy and after birth, involving partners as appropriate.
- Understanding common events in labour and birth.
- How to care for the baby, including newborn care and postnatal self-care such as pelvic floor exercises.
- Promoting bonding with the baby and the importance of emotional attachment.
- Planning and managing the baby's feeding, including breastfeeding support.
- Information about vitamin K prophylaxis and newborn screening.
- Awareness of physical, emotional, and relationship changes during pregnancy.
- Information on recognising active labour and postnatal mood changes, including mental health awareness.
- Advice on sleep position after 28 weeks to reduce stillbirth risk.
- Discussion of birth preferences (place and mode of birth) and their implications, benefits, and risks.
- Information on prolonged pregnancy and options for management from 38 weeks.
- Access to peer support services and resources for expectant and new parents.
- Advice on avoiding alcohol during pregnancy and other lifestyle considerations.
- Information tailored to specific needs, such as young women under 20 or those with complex social factors.
These components should be delivered in a welcoming, accessible manner, adapted to local community needs, and include opportunities for partners to be involved if the woman wishes NICE NG201,NICE CKS,NICE CKS.