Antenatal classes (preparación al parto) and where to find them

Terms used

• Preparación al parto — Preparación al parto means antenatal classes that prepare you for birth, also called educación maternal.
• Educación maternal — Educación maternal is another name for the free public antenatal classes.
• Matrona — A matrona is a midwife who looks after your pregnancy care in the public system and runs the classes.
• Centro de salud — A centro de salud is your local public health centre, where you see your matrona and family doctor.

Key rules

• Public classes: Antenatal classes in the public system are free.
• How to join: Ask your matrona to sign you up.
• Language: Public classes are generally in Spanish, so English-language classes are mostly private.
• Start time: Public classes normally begin around weeks 28 to 32, though some areas start earlier.

Start weeks, class format and private providers vary by area, so confirm availability and prices with your matrona or the provider.

Free public classes

Antenatal classes are free in the public system. They are called preparación al parto or educación maternal. Your matrona runs them at your centro de salud or hospital.

To join, ask your matrona to sign you up. Classes normally begin around weeks 28 to 32 of pregnancy. Some areas start earlier, so ask at your first visits rather than waiting.

You need to be registered in the public system to use them. Start week and format vary by centre and region.

Language in public classes

Public classes are generally in Spanish. In some regions, courses may run in the local co-official language instead. If your Spanish is limited, ask your matrona whether the centre has any alternative. You can also go to a private course in English as well as, or instead of, the public one.

English-language classes

English-language classes are mostly private. You will find most of them in big cities and expat areas, such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga and the Costa del Sol, Alicante, and the Balearic and Canary Islands.

Providers include:

• private midwives
• doulas
• independent birth educators
• some private hospitals and international clinics

Some providers run online courses, which helps if you live outside those areas.

Prices depend on the provider and the number of sessions, from a single session to a full course. Ask each provider for its current price and what is included before you book.

What to do

The timeline below shows the order. In short: ask your matrona about the free classes, and if you want English, contact a private provider early so you have a place by the third trimester. The questions below cover cost and language.

Timeline and deadlines

• Ask your matrona about free public classes and sign up: before week 28, so you have a place when classes start

• Start public antenatal classes: usually from weeks 28 to 32 of pregnancy, earlier in some areas

• If you want classes in English, contact a private provider: before you reach the weeks when public classes would start, so you can pick a course that fits

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay for public antenatal classes?

No, antenatal classes in the public system are free if you are registered there. They are run by the matrona (midwife) at your centro de salud or hospital. Ask your matrona to sign you up.

Are public antenatal classes taught in English?

No, public classes are generally in Spanish, and some areas also run courses in the local co-official language. If you want English, look at private options instead, or ask your matrona what your centre offers.

Where can I find English-language antenatal classes?

English-language classes are mostly private and concentrated in big cities and expat areas, such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga and the Costa del Sol, Alicante and the Balearic and Canary Islands. Providers include private midwives, doulas, independent birth educators, and some private hospitals and international clinics.