Got a question about our antenatal course? You’re not alone. We’ve gathered the questions parents ask us most often, all in one place.
- What is an NCT antenatal course?
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An NCT antenatal course helps you prepare for pregnancy, birth and the early days of parenthood.
You’ll explore and learn more about a wide range of topics – from what expect in labour and birth, to caring for your newborn, feeding your baby and adjusting to your new life as a parent.
It’s also a great opportunity to meet other expectant parents in your local area - to learn together, share experiences and build connections that often last well beyond the course. In fact, 95% of parents who attend our courses stay in touch with their NCT friends for years after having their baby!
Each course price covers two people, so you can attend with your partner, a family member or friend.
- When should I book my course?
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You can book your course at any time, though most parents do so around 16 weeks of pregnancy. Our courses can fill quickly, so it’s a good idea to book early if you can.
Booking early also means you’ll have the option to spread the cost in monthly, interest-free instalments, making it easier to plan ahead.
- How many people will be on the course?
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Our courses usually have between 10-14 people attending, though some groups are a little smaller or bigger.
We keep group sizes low so there’s time to chat, ask questions, share experiences and of course, get to know each other - often leading to friendships that continue long after the course ends!
- Why does the price of a course differ?
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Course prices vary depending on your location. Venue hire costs can differ across the country, so in some areas courses may be a little more expensive for us to run.
- Can I pay in instalments?
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Yes – you’ve got a few interest-free options for spreading the cost:
- Monthly Direct Debit or card instalments: Available if there’s enough time before your course begins.
- PayPal Pay in 3: Available right up until your course starts (if you’re eligible).
When you reach the payment page (step 3 of booking), select the ‘Interest-free instalments’ tab at the top. The default view shows one-off payments, so you might need to switch tabs to see all your options.
- Are antenatal courses suitable for second- or third-time parents?
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Absolutely! Many parents who join our in-person antenatal courses already have children. It’s a great chance to connect with other expectant parents in your local area and at a similar stage of pregnancy. You’ll also have the chance to reflect on previous experiences and refresh your knowledge and skills.
We also offer a shorter, online-only course – NCT Antenatal Refresher. Over eight hours of live, interactive sessions, you’ll revisit key topics around pregnancy, birth and newborn care - and explore what life might look like with a new baby and older siblings.
- What is covered in each session?
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Every NCT course is unique and tailored to each group. The number and length of sessions can vary, and your course leader will adapt the content of each class to suit your group’s needs and questions.
We can tell you that all our courses will cover topics within the following key themes:
- Getting ready for birth
- Labour and birth
- Caring for your baby
- Feeding your baby
- Life with a new baby
Each area is brought to life through open discussion, practical information and shared experiences, so you can feel more confident, connected and ready for the journey ahead.
- What is Parent Hub?
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Parent Hub is a digital platform exclusive for NCT course attendees. It’s full of additional videos and resources to compliment your learning before, during and after your course.
Parent Hub is where you’ll find free course extras including:
- Hypnobirthing – videos, audio clips and affirmations
- Yoga for Pregnancy – five classes suitable for all levels
- Newborn safety and first aid
- Access to Newborn Talks
- Special offers
- Further information on local activities and events
- Can I change or cancel a booking?
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We understand that plans can change. You can cancel your booking within 14 days of confirmation, free of charge, as long as your course hasn’t started.
There are also options if you need to change your booking - find out more in our cancellations and refunds information. As always, we’re here to help.
- What happens if I miss a session?
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We recommend choosing a course where you know you can come to every session, as you can’t move between groups once the course has started.
If you do miss one, your NCT course leader will usually share a summary and helpful resources covering what you missed. In some cases, we may be able to offer a live online catch-up. You can find more details in our terms and conditions.
- Do you offer any support once my baby is born?
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Yes! Newborn Talks are daily, live Zoom sessions led by our antenatal course practitioners, designed to support you in the early days after birth.
Each 45-minute talk focuses on key newborn topics, including sleep, crying and feeding, offering practical advice you can try right away. You’ll also have the chance to ask your specific questions and get real-time guidance.
There's absolutely no pressure to be on camera, and you're welcome to dip in and out or attend the same session again another week - whatever works for you. More information on Newborn Talks can be found in the Parent Hub.
- Do you offer online-only classes?
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Yes, we do – we know that in-person classes don’t suit everyone.
Our online NCT Antenatal courses are a great option if you’re living outside of the UK, in an area without a scheduled course, or simply prefer to focus on learning and preparation from home. You’ll still get the same trusted NCT information and practical guidance - just in a way that works best for you.
- I need extra support – who can I speak to?
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We want every parent to feel welcome at an NCT course.
If there’s anything that might make it harder for you to join – such as access needs, communication support, or any other practical considerations we should be aware of, please let us know. You can contact us by email at booking.support@nct.org.uk, via live web chat, or by calling 0300 330 0700 (option 2).
We’ll listen, work with you to understand what you need, and do our best to find a solution that helps you get the most from your NCT course experience.