I wish I had had the benefit of a class like Positively Pregnant when my husband and I were preparing for the birth of our daughter. Expectant parents who enroll in Positively Pregnant meet with a Kapi'olani professional childbirth educator to learn what to expect during the different stages of pregnancy and childbirth. You'll learn about nutrition, symptoms of early labor, what body changes are normal, signs of problems, and how to make pregnancy as comfortable as possible. You'll also learn what to expect from your obstetrician and how to select a suitable birth facility. Dads also gain insight into their role during the pregnancy and delivery of their child.
Moms learn what's the best type of exercise and why folic acid is so important.
An important aspect of the class is meeting other expectant parents. Each pregnancy is different, and everyone can learn from others' experiences. This helps parents feel more comfortable with the complexities of pregnancy. All this sharing of information can enhance the information that you're already getting from your doctor. The childbirth educator will explain what happens during each trimester and what changes the mother and fetus go through.