If you're pregnant and expecting your baby between November 2025 and March 2026, you might be wondering when to start preparing for labour and birth. Should you wait until you're closer to your due date? Or is it better to get ahead?

Here’s everything you need to know about the best time to begin your birth preparation journey, including Hypnobirthing classes.

Why Birth Prep Matters

Birth is a big physical and emotional event. Preparing for it means:

• Understanding how your body works in labour
• Reducing fear and anxiety
• Learning tools to help you stay calm and confident
• Involving your birth partner so they can support you effectively

The earlier you begin, the more time you have to practise and absorb the tools.

So, When Should You Start Hypnobirthing?

For most people, the ideal time to start hypnobirthing classes is between 20 and 30 weeks pregnant. Here’s why:

• You're far enough along to feel connected to the idea of birth
• You’re still early enough to take a full course at a calm, comfortable pace
• You have time to practice your techniques before baby arrives

If you're due in late 2025 or early 2026, that means starting birth prep between July and December 2025 is ideal.

What If I’m Earlier or Later Than That?

• Before 20 weeks? Amazing! You can get started early and revisit the material later in pregnancy when it feels more relevant. Plus you’ll have more time to practice!
• Over 35 weeks? It’s not too late. You might get lucky and find a last minute space on an in-person group or private course. I’ve had people attend my hypnobirthing classes on their due date before!

Alternatively, a self-paced online programme takes just a few hours to complete and can make a real difference to how you feel going into labour. The Complete Online Hypnobirthing Course by Rise & Glow Births is a great option for mamas who are worried they’ve left it too late to start birth prep.

Which Type of Course is Right for You?

There are different ways to learn:

• In-person group courses: Great if you want local support and to meet other parents
• 1:1 sessions: More personalised, flexible, and bespoke to your particular circumstances and birth plan
• Online self-paced courses: Perfect if you’re short on time or want to learn at your own pace

Whatever format you choose, Hypnobirthing gives you tools that work in every kind of birth setting.

Final Thought

Starting your birth prep between 20–30 weeks gives you the space to practise and feel confident…without the last-minute panic.

If you're due in late 2025 or early 2026 and want to prepare for a calm, positive birth, I’d love to support you.

My next in-person Hypnobirthing course in South East London starts in September, and there are also 1:1 and online options available too.

Check out my birth prep courses here and let me know if you have any questions!