Should I Attend Prenatal Classes?

I am Dr. Meena Amin, I have been a practising gynaecologist in Ahmedabad since last 20 years. Pregnancy is an important phase in a life of women. In this stage these days knowledge about pregnancy is not as easily available as the old days, when the elders of the house would share their experience. So many a times the patients feel panic about pregnancy & how to look after themselves. They don't have the right knowledge about pregnancy, check ups, diet, exercises. Many a times we come across patients who wouldn't even get out of the bed, when asked to rest. This is not useful. When antenatal exercises are undertaken under the guidance of a trained child birth educator, it is more beneficial. Some times when the exercises are done incorrectly, they can be harmful. It is ideal to exercise under supervision. These pregnancy classes play an important role in giving knowledge about pregnancy, not just exercises. Gynaecologists may not have so much time to spare with patients to discuss importance of exercises. This is the gap that these classes fill. The other advantage is that many pregnant women come together and exchange information about common discomforts & it's solutions. For example, backache is common during pregnancy, so when they talk with other pregnant women, then their anxiety is reduced. We have also noticed that the women who attend these classes are better behaved & prepared for the labor. This is because they are aware of what to expect during delivery. They use breathing exercises & are able to push better. The doctors finds this to be very useful. Antenatal classes provide multi level help. For example weight control is easier with antenatal exercises from the begining. And after delivery muscle activation, diet counselling and such aspects when explained scientifically are very helpful. Breast feeding requires motivation, everyone knows that mother's milk is the best for the baby. And this doesn't just provide nutrition, but also develops the baby's immune system. Especially the milk in the first two days. These days nearly 40% of birth are through c-section and this is when women's movement is restricted in the first few days. This can cause for the milk to dry up or stop, so prenatal classes help to avoid this. The fear of labor room is diminished by attending the classes. The women are able to cooperate better because of being well informed.