Medication use is discouraged except in extreme cases. Classes often run throughout pregnancy. Most childbirth educators use ideas from all three schools of thought. Classes are generally held one evening a week for four to eight weeks. You can take classes in many settings.
Hospitals usually offer classes in their classrooms.
Childbirth educators also teach out of community classrooms, through adult education programs, and even in their homes. Some will come to your home for private lessons. Class content should include information on the normal progress of labor and birth. Waiting until the third trimester is too late. You want to complete your class series by about your 36th week of pregnancy.