Is There a Difference Between a Prenatal Class and an Antenatal Class?

When expecting a baby, parents-to-be often find themselves searching for ways to prepare for the journey ahead. Among the options are prenatal classes and antenatal classes. If you’re planning to attend our Eastbourne based birthing classes, you might wonder, are these terms different, or do they mean the same thing?

​In this blog, we explore this question to help you make informed choices as you prepare for your baby’s arrival.
The short answer is there’s no significant difference. The terms prenatal and antenatal both refer to the period before a baby is born. The distinction largely comes down to language preferences. Antenatal is the term most used in the UK and other Commonwealth countries, while prenatal is more common in the US and other English-speaking nations.
Regardless of the terminology, these classes serve the same purpose: preparing expectant parents - especially those attending courses for first-time parents - for labour, delivery, and the early days of parenting.
Both antenatal and prenatal classes aim to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for childbirth and newborn care. If you’re considering Eastbourne birthing classes, you can expect to cover topics such as:

1. Labour and Birth:
   • Understanding the stages of labour.
   • Breathing techniques and pain relief options.
   • Positions for labour and birthing.
2. Postnatal Recovery:
   • What to expect after delivery.
   • Recognising signs of postnatal depression and seeking support.
3. Infant Care Basics:
   • Feeding techniques, including breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.
   • Bathing, safer sleeping, and soothing your newborn.
4. Partner Support:
   • Practical advice for birthing partners on how to provide support during labour.

Attending a course for first-time parents can be incredibly reassuring. These classes are designed with the unique needs of new parents in mind, addressing common questions and concerns. They provide a safe space to learn about birth, share experiences, and connect with other expectant families.
For first-timers, Eastbourne birthing classes can also help you feel more confident and prepared, giving you tools to handle labour and early parenthood with greater ease.
Whether you call it a prenatal or antenatal class, what truly matters is the preparation and support you gain from attending. For expectant parents, particularly first-timers, our courses offer invaluable insights into the birthing process and parenthood.
If you’re based in Eastbourne, Seaford, Bexhill or surrounding areas, Birthing and Beyond can help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to welcome your little one into the world and we can’t wait to meet you.