China to establish more prenatal care schools

China is setting out to arm its expectant mothers with better knowledge of healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. It is planning to open more centers giving prenatal care classes, with the aim of reducing the cesarean section rate and promoting scientific parenting.

These classes help mothers to-be maintain the best state for childbirth. For most of them, this is a brand new experience.

"I happened to find out about this place during a routine check in hospital. We used to learn about childbirth through the internet and books, and many of my friends didn't take pregnancy seriously. I wish they'd taken lessons like I do. It's really helpful."

China has a very high cesarean rate. And many pregnant women find themselves without professional guidance. Prenatal care schools like this are rare even in cities.

Ning Hong, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, said, "Pregnancy and childbirth can be a very daunting experience for mothers. But the lack of knowledge of proper care is also detrimenting the health of the next generation. And this is what prenatal schools are setting out to change. "

China plans to establish 100 such schools in each of most of its provinces within three years. Maternity hospitals were among the first to take the initiative.

Zhang Yan, Chief Physician, Obstetrical & Gynecological Hospital, Shijiazhuang, said, "Many pregnant women still think cesarean sections are no different from natural childbirth. And we are trying to change that. Opening these schools is an effective way. We have been doing it since 1993. Last year we helped sixty thousand mothers to give birth. Only 30% of them resorted to cesarean sections. We'd like to continue to see this improvement."

"We have 22 lessons to help expectant mothers learn how to nurse, and tell them about accepted methods such as the Lamaze pain relief delivery to help them overcome pain and fear."

At present, most of these classes are found in obstetrics and gynecology hospitals. But the local health department is drawing up guidelines to make them more widely found, and help Chinese mothers be more informed.