Antenatal classes

Information

Antenatal classes in Ireland provide you with information about pregnancy, labour and delivery, and baby care. The classes will also allow you to discuss any concerns you might have with other expectant parents. Many antenatal classes focus on labour and delivery alone, but others include practical advice on how to care for your baby and adjust to parenthood.

Antenatal classes are provided by your hospital and you will need to telephone them to book your place. Classes are generally offered for expectant mothers alone, or for couples. You will probably attend antenatal classes from about 30 weeks.

Some hospitals provide classes for couples with special needs. You will need to contact your local hospital or the Health Service Executive (HSE) for details.

Time off work and Antenatal Classes

Section 8 of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 (PDF) allows pregnant women to take paid time off work to attend one set of antenatal classes (but not the last three of the series of classes as these would normally occur after maternity leave has started). This right to attend only one set of antenatal classes (except the last three in a set) covers all pregnancies while in employment. It doesn't mean you have the right to paid time off work to attend antenatal classes each time you are pregnant in employment. Instead, the entitlement covers one set of classes over all your pregnancies. If for any reason you are unable to attend some classes due to reasons beyond your control (i.e., premature birth, illness, miscarriage, stillbirth) you can carry over your entitlement to paid time off work to attend any untaken classes to your subsequent pregnancies (except the last three in a set). Here's an example:

You are attending a set of 8 classes and this is your first pregnancy in employment. You are only entitled to be paid while attending 5 of those classes (again, as the other three would occur while you are on maternity leave). If for example, you become ill and cannot attend all 5 classes this time, you may carry over your entitlement to paid leave from employment to attend untaken classes, to your following pregnancies.

Expectant fathers have a once-off right to paid time off work to attend the two antenatal classes immediately prior to the birth. This entitlement does not extend to every pregnancy while the woman is in employment – it’s just a once-off right only. The provision for paid time off work to attend ante-natal classes for expectant parents was brought into effect in SI 653 of 2004 Maternity Protection (Time off for Ante–Natal Classes) Regulations 2004 .

In order to take this time off work, the employee must notify their employer in writing at least two weeks before classes commence, outlining the dates and times of the classes. Employers can request written evidence of the classes (dates, times, etc.). This new provision allowing expectant parents to take time off work to attend antenatal classes comes into effect from the 18th October, 2004.

The First Antenatal Visit

Your first visit to hospital can be at any time from 12-20 weeks in the pregnancy. The purpose of this visit is to get a full picture of your health and the health of your baby. You can expect to speak to a midwife, who will ask a range of background questions about your health and medical history. This will also be an opportunity for you to ask about your care and the range of services that are available to you. You will be asked for a urine sample, will have your blood pressure taken and will have blood tests. The purpose of the blood tests will be explained to you. In some hospitals you may have an ultrasound scan on your first visit, at others you will have this scan at around 20 weeks.

The visit lasts approximately two hours. If your pregnancy is normal, subsequent visits will be much shorter. Visits can be shared between the hospital and your family doctor (GP) or midwife.

Subsequent Antenatal Visits

At each subsequent antenatal visit, you will provide a urine sample, your blood pressure will be taken and you will be examined. If you have any questions or worries related to your pregnancy you should ask the midwife or doctor. Most hospitals will have a system of parentcraft classes which you and your partner or friend can attend, near the time of birth. These sessions will provide you with an opportunity to lean more about breastfeeding, nutrition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preparing you and your family for the birth of the baby.