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Antenatal education (ANE) aims to prevent complications of pregnancy and ensure the wellbeing of mother and child, preparing women for childbirth and achieving optimal physical health during pregnancy. Recent research regarding the need for ANE to address issues relating to the ‘transition to parenthood’ has raised questions about the focus of current provision, and its adequacy in supporting parents.

This research examined stakeholder perspectives about current NHS ANE across ten strategic health authorities in England. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders including commissioners, heads of midwifery, midwives delivering antenatal education, and service users. Data were audio-taped, transcribed, coded, and thematically analysed.

The findings highlight a growing recognition and consensus across stakeholder groups of the serious limitations of current ANE in terms of access, quality and capacity reflected in the size of classes, location, method of delivery and content. Although ANE is an important part of antenatal care and an integral part of the midwife role, it is not currently recognised as a high priority by many of those funding or providing it. There is consensus across stakeholders that current antenatal provision is seriously inadequate, that midwives are inadequately prepared and supported in this role, and that an expanded focus on the transition to parenthood and relationships is needed.

A number of innovative models of practice were identified by stakeholders, which appear to be better at addressing the needs of parents-to-be in terms of their preparation for parenthood.

These findings suggest that there is an urgent need for the materials and methods used as part of ANE to be updated and improved, and a need to build midwife confidence and skills in its delivery. Further work is also needed to build on learning about the value of engagement with a peer group, and the benefits that such support can provide.

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