What is Prenatal Class?

Being pregnant is a wonderful experience. With so many resources out there, it's hard to know which ones are the best for you and your baby. The Health Unit offers prenatal classes with up to date information regarding your pregnancy, birth and infant care.

A Public Health Nurse runs the classes where videos, activities and interactive discussions are used to help you have a healthy pregnancy. Five classes cover a variety of topics from prenatal nutrition to labour management. Come meet other expecting couples in your community and learn about your pregnancy. Please contact the Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 for registration, scheduled dates and times. It is best to register for prenatal classes before you are 20 weeks pregnant, but we welcome those who are further along in their pregnancy. There is a fee of $50.00 that covers all handouts. Payment options are available for those who may have difficulty paying this amount.

Topics covered by class:

• Nutrition and physical activity for the healthiest pregnancy possible
  
  
• The physical and emotional changes which occur during pregnancy and following delivery
  
  
• Fetal development
  
  
• Medical care and procedures
  
  
• Labour and delivery including comfort and relaxation
  
  
• Healthy sexuality and the relationship changes during pregnancy and after delivery
  
  
• Potential Hazards
  
  
• Breastfeeding
  
  
• Accessing available community resources which support expectant and new parents
  
  
• Postpartum adjustment
  
  
• Family Abuse and Violence
  
  
• Baby's needs during the first six weeks 

When?

Classes run over a 5-week period during the evening for two hours a week. Please contact the Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 for registration, scheduled dates and times. Register early to give your baby the best start possible. There is a fee of $50.00 that covers all materials.

Where?

The Health Unit offers prenatal classes in five locations in Leeds, Lanark and Grenville. These include: Brockville, Carleton Place, Gananoque, Kemptville, and Smiths Falls. Please contact the Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 for registration, scheduled dates and times. 

Why Go To Prenatal Class?

• Because your baby is important to you and having a healthy baby means having a healthy pregnancy
  
  
• Prenatal class gives you an understanding of the physical and emotional changes which will be experienced during pregnancy and following delivery
  
  
• These classes will help you to be physically prepared for labour and delivery through learning of relaxation skills, comfort measures and breathing exercises
  
  
• You will have knowledge and understanding of the essentials of good prenatal care
  
  
• Your class will help you gain insight into relationship changes in the family during pregnancy and after delivery
  
  
• You will have knowledge and understanding of the maternal and infant care demands in the early weeks following childbirth
  
  
• And you will learn about available community resources to support expectant and new parents