Congratulations! You are going to have a baby. Your health during this special time is very important.

If you haven’t seen your Health Care Provider (Family Physician, Midwife, Nurse Practitioner or Obstetrician), now is the time. Regular prenatal check ups are important for both the pregnant woman and her baby. You can expect to see your Health Care Provider for check ups monthly until 28 weeks, every two weeks until 36 weeks, and weekly visits from 36 weeks until your baby is born.

Being informed and prepared before the baby arrives can help parents feel confident and ready to face the rewarding challenges ahead. There is a lot of information available but one of the best ways to receive this information is by attending the Health Unit’s Early and Late Prenatal Classes.

Early Class (1st and 2nd Trimester) 

The Early Class Series consists of 2 classes that should be taken early in your pregnancy (ideally in your 1st trimester but can also be taken in your 2nd trimester). Classes are led by a Public Health Nurse and are informative and relaxed, with lots of time for questions and discussion. Come learn about: growth and development of the baby, normal events and concerns of pregnancy, lifestyle for a healthy pregnancy, the signs of premature labour, and comfort measures for the pregnancy. Participants will receive the resource book “Healthy Beginnings”. There is a $10.00 fee for Early Classes. Financial consideration is given upon request.

Late Class (3rd Trimester)  

Late in pregnancy it is time to prepare for birth and the care of the baby. The Late Class Series consists of 4 classes to be taken in your 3rd trimester. Classes are led by a Public Health Nurse and are informative and relaxed, with lots of time for questions and discussion. Late Classes cover labour and delivery, pain management (both naturally and with medication), caesarean section, postpartum, baby care, safety, parenting and feeding the newborn with emphasis on breastfeeding. Participants will receive the resource “Joy of Parenting”. The fee for Late Classes is $33 or if you attend both early and late a combined fee of $38 is charged. Financial consideration is given upon request.

See the Prenatal Class Schedule to find a location and date right for you.

Registration 

To register for Prenatal Classes contact the Health Unit at (519) 426-6170 or 905-318-6623 for Simcoe classes or 905-318-5367 for Caledonia classes.

Why should we take prenatal classes?

Information and support received in prenatal classes can help lower parents’ concerns and anxiety. Anxiety can affect your unborn child. Studies show that informational support in the form of prenatal classes can help reduce physical complications for women in labour and can lead to improved physical and emotional health postpartum. Fathers who attend prenatal classes learn about pregnancy, labour and birth and as a result, can be more supportive to the mother.

Other sources of information?

The Health Unit has given each of the Health Care Providers (Family Physicians and Midvives) in Haldimand and Norfolk a supply of Prenatal Resource Bags to distribute to their clients when there is a positive pregnancy test. This bag contains samples, pamphlets and information on resources available for pregnant women in Haldimand and Norfolk. If you did not receive this bag from your Health Care Provider please ask for one, or contact the Health Unit and one will be provided to you.