Prenatal education is a helpful way to gather up-to-date information to help you make decisions and feel ready to give birth. Classes can help you learn about how to have a healthy pregnancy and what to expect during labour and birth.
Among other things, classes teach:
- How to keep healthy during pregnancy
- What to expect during labour and birth
- Relaxation strategies and other ways to help you feel more comfortable during labour
- Infant care and feeding
- Changes you might experience after the baby arrives
- May include a tour of your local birthing facility
Prenatal classes are offered in many locations across the province. Some classes may be free and others will have costs. Your support person is welcome to attend with your or on your behalf. Your local public health office is a great place to ask about local classes or you may also choose to go online to read many of the great resources available.
Contact your local public health office for information on local prenatal classes.
UPDATE: With many prenatal courses temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are several online resources available below.
Available Prenatal Education and Information
- Prenatal classes offered by Saskatoon Public Health
- Baby’s Best Start Book (British Columbia Ministry of Health)
- Best Start Prenatal Program classes
- Saskatchewan Prevention Institute has a wonderful prenatal section and provides a program that reviews information on changes at each month of pregnancy
- My Saskatchewan Pregnancy App offers daily pregnancy tips, track health, videos on pregnancy and baby’s growth, personalize to do list, journal entries, services and programing in your area, and links to Saskatchewan healthcare providers
- Pertussis (whooping cough) immunization information for caregivers
Sources of Medical Information
- The Public Health Agency of Canada’s booklet: The Sensible Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
- The Public Health Agency of Canada also has information online about infant care and safe sleep for your baby
- The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute has many resources about pregnancy, parenting (for both moms and dads), infant care and so much more.
- The Government of Saskatchewan has information online about caring for your baby
- The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) also has a website that provides information about preparing for a healthy pregnancy, pregnancy, birth and after baby is born.
- The Canadian Paediatric Society also has information regarding pregnancy and infant health on their Caring for Kids website.