You might have heard about the benefits of antenatal classes from your midwife, doctor or friends. Here we will give you some general information on the topic, two examples from antenatal class providers in Dubai and a list of institutions in Dubai that offer antenatal classes.

Antenatal classes come in various forms, but they have the same aim. They are aiming to prepare you for labour, birth, and early parenthood. Themes covered might be practical techniques such as relaxation, breathing and postures for labour and birth, and baby care and breastfeeding. The classes are also an ideal opportunity for expecting parents to socialize with other people in the same situation as them. If you’re going to a class which is not run by your hospital or health centre, remember to check that the teacher(s) has been properly trained.

Two examples of content in antenatal classes:

Antenatal classes at Cooper Clinic

We run bimonthly birth preparation classes held over the course of one Saturday. Please bring your birth partner along. Covered in the course is:

Preparing for labor and delivery
Signs of labor
Normal delivery
When things do not go according to plan
Caessarean and instrumental deliveries
Induction/augmentation of labor
Alternative pain relief methods
Breast feeding and overcoming common problems
Information on Stem Cell collection
Taking the baby home
Post natal checkups
Baby care
Introduction to baby massage

Antenatal classes at The Mediclinic City Hospital

The antenatal programme designed by Mediclinic City Hospital runs for eight consecutive weeks and covers the following:Week one – Meet your mentors | Discussing the birth plan
Week two – Development of the fetus | Neonatal Intensive Care for pre-term and full term babies requiring special attention
Week three – Nutrition, minor disorders in pregnancy and antenatal care
Week four – Exercise during pregnancy | Alternative pain relief and positions in labour
Week five – Warning signs, signs of true labour
Week six – Newborn feeding: breast or bottle?
Week seven – Postnatal and newborn care
Week eight – Going home, safety at home…what next?

Antenatal classes in Dubai:

American Hospital
Phone: 043096614

Cecile de Scally

Midwife/Educator
BabySenseDubai
(A div of MCI)
0555886298

Dubai London Clinic
Phone: 800-352
E-mail: jumeira@dubailondonclinic.com

Mediclinic City Hospital
Phone: 04 435 999
E-mail: cityhospital@mediclinic.ae

Cooper Health Clinic
Phone: 04 348 6344
E-mail: cooperclinicdubai@gmail.com

Health Bay Polyclinic
Phone: 04 348 7140

Fetal Medicine & Genetic Centre
Phone: 04 360 4040
E-mail: info@my-baby.net

Do you know a place that should be on this list? Let us know by contacting Expat Echo Dubai at info@expatechodubai.com.