Amid preparations for birth and baby, a good antenatal class can offer essential support and guidance.
In fact, research shows that antenatal classes can reduce stress in expecting mums, improve self-belief, and even lower the caesarean birth rate (1).
But with so many great classes out there, how do you choose the right one?
How do I choose an antenatal class?
There is a wide selection of antenatal classes available for you to choose from depending on what you are looking for.
Some classes will prepare you to care for your newborn, others will teach you birthing methods (like hypnobirthing), and some focus on keeping your body and mind fit as you go through pregnancy.
Here we share 10 of the best antenatal classes in West London based on class content, location, price and reviews from other mums-to-be. We hope they help you on your pregnancy journey!
1. Happy Parents Happy Baby
Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 stars from 288 reviews on Trustpilot
Locations: Hammersmith; Notting Hill; Fulham and Chelsea (+ more)
Price: In-person antenatal classes from £199
Happy Parents Happy Baby runs a popular antenatal course for expecting parents. It includes classes on life with a newborn, hypnobirthing, and baby first aid.
The course invites a different specialist each week, including experts in physiotherapy, paediatrics, and feeding specialists.
What the Happy Parents Happy Baby reviews are saying
Expecting parents commented that the course had:
- Comprehensive and inclusive content
- Effective and supportive instructors
- Community and networking opportunities
“I enjoyed the mix of learning at home, in person and then Q and A sessions. I feel like we covered everything, including first aid and were able to find out about all options for having your baby and feeding your baby in a non-judgemental way.” – Sophie, Trustpilot
Where to book Happy Parents Happy Baby antenatal classes
You can visit the Happy Parents Happy Baby website to book antenatal classes or for more information: Happy Parents Happy Baby.
2. Bump and Baby Club
Reviews: 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Google
Locations: Notting Hill, Shepherd’s Bush, Hammersmith, Fulham
Price: Antenatal course £260
The Bump and Baby Club antenatal class is a comprehensive 5-week course covering labour and birth, life after birth, infant feeding, and baby first aid.
There’s also a social get-together at the end of the course, where you can meet like-minded parents.
What the Bump and Baby Club reviews are saying
Expecting parents commented that the course had:
- Smaller, intimate classes
- A consistent trainer throughout
- Expert and friendly advice
“We did our first Bump and Baby class and would highly recommend it. Great knowledge shared and hypnobirthing techniques!”
Where to book Bump and Baby Club antenatal classes
You can visit the Bump and Baby Club website to book antenatal classes or for more information: Bump and Baby Club.
3. The Life Centre Notting Hill
Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars from 80 reviews on Google
Locations: Notting Hill; online
Price: Pregnancy classes from £60 (15 classes over 30 days)
The Life Centre offers Pregnancy Yoga classes tailored towards expectant mothers, helping them navigate how the body changes during pregnancy and prepare for birth.
In a study on The Effects of Antenatal Exercises, yoga and other antenatal exercises were shown to decrease the caesarean rate by 61%, reduce pain and overall discomfort during labour by 17%, and speed up postpartum recovery for 86% of participants (2).
When led by a specialist, antenatal yoga offers improved flexibility and strength, which can help you avoid pregnancy-related injuries like strained ligaments and lower back pain.
What the Life Centre reviews are saying
Expecting parents commented that the course had:
- Warm and inclusive atmosphere
- Experienced, skilled instructors
- Transformative healing experiences
“The Life Centre Notting Hill is a great place to practise – on walking in you really appreciate the relaxed, welcoming, community vibe. […] a haven for yoga and well-being and a great place to escape the stresses of the city.”
Where to book Life Centre antenatal classes
You can visit the Life Centre website to book pregnancy yoga classes or for more information: The Life Centre.
Find antenatal classes near you: Antenatal classes
4. CORE Pilates
Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 stars from 76 reviews on Google
Locations: Kensington
Price: Prenatal Reformer classes from £35 (2 classes)
The Prenatal Reformer classes at CORE Pilates Kensington are designed for pregnant women (20 weeks and up) looking to reduce lower back pain and strengthen the body in preparation for delivery, breastfeeding, and childcare.
What the CORE Pilates reviews are saying
Expecting parents commented that the course had:
- Attentive and knowledgeable instructors
- Effective workouts tailored to individuals
- A welcoming atmosphere and supportive community
“Beautiful, clean studio with very professional team. The classes are never boring, and the instructors explain each move with great clarity, making it easy to focus on the correct position. Excellent pace, good stretches and great results!”
Where to book CORE Pilates antenatal classes
You can visit the CORE Pilates website to book antenatal classes or for more information: CORE Prenatal Reformer.
5. FRAME
Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars from 68 reviews on Google
Locations: Hammersmith
Price: Mumhood Pack £65 (6 classes in 6 weeks)
FRAME offers a range of fitness classes for mums, including a prenatal yoga class designed to reduce stress, improve sleep, alleviate aches and pains, and foster mindfulness.
What the FRAME reviews are saying
Expecting parents commented that the course had:
- Varied classes – there’s something for everyone!
- Top-notch facilities
- Friendly atmosphere and skilled instructors
“Working out here is actually fun and never a chore. Gorgeous facilities with all the extras included like towels, shampoo- even a hair tie when you forget yours. Frame is the best.”
Where to book FRAME antenatal classes
You can visit the FRAME website to book antenatal classes or for more information: FRAME.
6. The Kensington Wing
Reviews: 5 out of 5 stars from 87 reviews on Top Doctors
Locations: Kensington
Price: Antenatal classes from £85
Antenatal classes at the Kensington Wing are led by expert midwives and offer comprehensive preparation for childbirth and baby care over a 5-class course.
What the Kensington Wing reviews are saying
Expecting parents commented that the course had:
- Professionalism and commitment to excellence
- Empathetic, knowledgeable staff
- Clear communication and informative materials
“I had an absolutely wonderful experience throughout my pregnancy, delivery and recovery […] I always felt safe and that my baby was in the best hands possible.”
Where to book the Kensington Wing antenatal classes
You can visit the Kensington Wing website to book antenatal classes or for more information: The Kensington Wing .
7. ZenBirth West London
Reviews: 5 out of 5 stars from 25 reviews on Facebook
Locations: At-home, Online and Blackheath
Price: Hypnobirthing classes from £325 (per couple)
ZenBirth offers a wide variety of hypnobirthing classes, to help you understand hypnosis and its applications in the birthing process.
What the ZenBirth reviews are saying
Expecting parents commented that the course had:
- Knowledgeable and empowering instructors
- Effective techniques and positive experiences
- Personalised and supportive approach
“Me and my partner signed up for the hypnobirthing course. […] We learnt lots, and thrived off of the positivity and calm manner. Would highly recommend the course to any expectant mums or dads.”
Where to book ZenBirth antenatal classes
You can visit the ZenBirth website to book antenatal classes or for more information: ZenBirth.
8. Yogaloft
Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars from 24 reviews on Google
Locations: Queens Park
Price: Classes from £18
Yogaloft offers classes led by experienced instructors, aimed at strengthening birthing muscles, reducing backache, and speeding up post-birth recovery.
What the Yogaloft reviews are saying
Expecting parents commented that the course had:
- Reasonably sized classes
- A wide range of classes and workshops
- A soft play area to entertain the little ones
“Can’t recommend Yogaloft highly enough […] great range of highly experienced teachers who genuinely engage and support students in reasonably sized classes.”
Where to book Yogaloft antenatal classes
You can visit the Yogaloft website to book antenatal classes or for more information: Yogaloft
Find antenatal classes near you: Antenatal classes
9. The Bump Class
Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 stars from 17 reviews on Facebook
Locations: Parsons Green, North Kensington and Barnes
Price: Early Pregnancy classes from £50
The Bump Class 8-week antenatal course helps mothers prepare mentally and physically for parenthood: from managing labour expectations to coping with the last months of pregnancy.
A majority of the classes are for women only, to foster as intimate and comfortable an environment as possible.
What The Bump Class reviews are saying
Expecting parents commented that the course had:
- Comprehensive and supportive education
- Community and friendship
- Excellent preparation and confidence-building
“Can’t recommend The Bump Class highly enough […] Many thanks for the kind, supportive and nurturing environment in which we learnt crucial information.”
Where to book The Bump Class antenatal classes
You can visit the The Bump Class website to book antenatal classes or for more information: The Bump Class.
10. Lumi Power Yoga
Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars from 73 reviews on Google
Locations: Hammersmith
Price: Pregnancy Yoga classes from £23
Pregnancy Yoga at Lumi encourages parents to strengthen their body and mind in a friendly environment, suitable for all abilities.
What the Lumi Power Yoga reviews are saying
Expecting parents commented that the course had:
- High-quality classes and skilled instructors
- Warm and friendly community
- Clean, spacious facilities
“Lumi Studio Yoga rocks! I found the greatest spot in London to be myself, to feel free and to experience the greatest yoga […] In this place you can find amazing, super friendly and experienced teachers who are always willing to help you and make your practice very special.”
Where to book Lumi Power Yoga antenatal classes
You can visit the Lumi Power Yoga website to book pregnancy yoga classes or for more information: Lumi Power Yoga.
When should I start antenatal classes?
Antenatal classes normally start between Week 24 and Week 32 of pregnancy – that is, between the second and third trimester.
This gives parents at least 8 weeks to practise techniques and absorb information before the baby arrives, without forgetting everything before the due date!
The Bump Class offers an Early Pregnancy class for expecting parents wanting to start their educational journey sooner.
Are antenatal classes worth it?
Antenatal classes offer invaluable resources and support for expecting parents, providing comprehensive education and personalised guidance.
In a study of 9,004 expectant mothers, findings indicated that mothers who were able to implement what they had learned from antenatal classes experienced a 28% reduction in the risk of dissatisfaction with childbirth (3).
Furthermore, expecting parents who attend antenatal classes received better overall information on breastfeeding and postnatal baby care (3).
On the other hand, if cost is an issue, try looking out for package deals like The Mumhood Pack at FRAME or low-cost courses like the In-person Antenatal Classes at Happy Parents Happy Baby.
Are antenatal classes only for first-time parents?
Although most antenatal classes are geared towards familiarising first-time parents with the birthing process, they can still benefit you the second time around.
If you already have children, an antenatal class can serve as a helpful refresher and will calm any nerves you have concerning the upcoming birth.
Happy Parents Happy Baby offers a Refresher Antenatal Class, and The Bump Class runs The Next Bump for second-time parents.
Does the NHS run antenatal classes?
Yes, the NHS runs antenatal classes and they’re free. They’re usually led by a midwife or physiotherapist and based within a hospital.
The best way to find your nearest NHS antenatal class is to consult your midwife or contact your local hospital.
You can use the NHS hospital search tool to find out more about services available in your area.
References
- “Perspectives on antenatal education associated with pregnancy outcomes: Systematic review and meta-analysis, Women and Birth.” K Hong et al, ScienceDirect
- “Effect of Antenatal Exercises, Including Yoga, on the Course of Labor, Delivery and Pregnancy: A Retrospective Study, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.” Y Wadhwa et al, MDPI
- “Do antenatal classes benefit the mother and her baby?” The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
