Over time the age old system of childbirths happening at home with the assistance of midwives has given way to a new scenario where women want to participate in their childbirth experience actively and make more informed decisions. With most of the deliveries in urban areas occurring in hospitals, the rates of maternal and infant mortality have come down markedly.
Women now are much more confident and seek more knowledge regarding their childbirth experience. The participation of the expectant father has also increased and it has become more of a family-centered maternity care. The introduction to childbirth that was previously done by the extended family is now obtained from formal childbirth and educational classes. Prenatal classes educate the expectant parents regarding conception, nutrition during pregnancy, physiological changes during pregnancy, what to expect during labor and childbirth and also care of the infant.
Pregnancy education or prenatal classes is important for every expectant family as it helps them cope with the challenges that pregnancy brings along.