pregnant woman 560x202 Having a Baby in Norway Part 4 – Prenatal Courses, Exercise Classes and Massages

Prenatal Classes

Prenatal classes are classes which are usually conducted by midwives and may or may not be complemented by other healthcare professionals such as doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, etc. These classes can come in various forms, but all have the same aim – to help prepare you (and your partner) for labour, birth, and early parenthood. Besides giving you information about labour and childbirth, it also serves as a social network as everyone in the class should roughly be at the same stage as you are in. You can ask questions and share stories about your pregnancy experiences. It is helpful to know that you are not alone in feeling the emotions you have or doing the funny things you do.

Some people swear by prenatal classes, insisting that they were very helpful in preparing one for childbirth and labour, while others feel that their bodies are naturally equipped for the process of childbirth without requiring any additional help. You can find people with different opinions ranging from both ends of the spectrum and you know what? Everyone is right! Pregnancy and childbirth is very individual to each woman and therefore, each and every woman will have to decide what is best for themselves, and families and partners should be supportive of the woman’s decision.

Prenatal classes should contain all or some of the information listed below:

    • looking after yourself, knees and back during pregnancy
    • simple exercises and stretches including Kegel exercises
    • information about the process of labour and childbirth
    • preparation for labour and childbirth
    • what-to-expect details of medical procedures and interventions
    • possible complications that may arise
    • the latest research suggestions about possible physical preparations for labour and childbirth
    • advice on relaxation techniques
    • the opportunity to learn about and experiment with different birth positions
    • a guide to pain relief choices
    • the chance to learn and try out massage skills and breathing techniques
    • the time to ask questions and rehearse the possible decisions you may have to make during the course of your labour
    • some indication of the changes you might experience after the birth and in early parenthood

    Your doctor (fastlege) or midwife (jordmor) should be able to give you a list of places which conduct prenatal classes. Below is a list of places which conduct classes in Stavanger:

    MammaSnart
    Niels Juels gate 10
    4008 Stavanger
    Phone: 45 20 80 01
    Email | Website

    Stavanger Birth and Baby (classes in English)
    Einervegen 31b
    4056 Tananger
    Phone: 51 65 18 22 Mob.92 62 79 10
    Email | Website

    Mamastork
    Skagen 18
    4006 Stavanger
    Phone: 51 89 38 21
    Email | Website

    Fem jordmødre
    Gamleveien 85
    4315 Sandnes
    Phone: 95 47 14 70
    Email | Website

    Exercise Classes

    Exercise during pregnancy (if complications don’t limit your ability to exercise throughout your pregnancy) is generally beneficial for you and your baby. If in doubt, ask your doctor and/or midwife what your limitations are. Exercise during pregnancy can help relieve backaches, swelling and cramps and generally improve your mood and well-being. You will also be fitter and in better shape for labour and the birthing process.

    Your gym might offer some form of exercise classes for expectant women, do enquire there.

    Other types of training:

  • Yoga with Christel Gibbs
  • Hinna Physiotherapy
  • Helse Fokus
  • Delfinen (Aqua training for expectant women)


    • Massages for Expectant Women

    Massages during pregnancy can often relieve many of the common side effects of pregnancy, such as backaches, headaches, edema, leg cramps, or other pregnancy related problems. It also helps you to relax and relieves you of anxiety, which in turn might help if you have problems sleeping. Besides getting your partner or family members to help massage you, you can also seek the services of massage therapists. Below are 2 places in Stavanger which offer massages for pregnant women.

    Bare Clinic

    I tried their Bare Mamma massage and it was lovely. Costing 1100NOK, the session consists of a 30-min full body scrub and a 60-min massage. The ambience in the treatment room was nice and soothing, with dimmable lights, lit candles and relaxing music. My therapist was very good – she was chatty during the scrub but tuned down during the massage so I could fully relax. She made sure that I was comfortable – not too cold or warm, pressure just right, comfortable position for my legs and belly, etc. I felt fully relaxed after the massage. I would definitely recommend this place. However, I wasn’t too impressed with their payment system – I wanted to pay cash but was not allowed to, I had to pay by card. Because their card system was problematic, my card was charged twice. So I had to go back to the spa again the next day to pick up my refund in cash! It was such a waste of time.

    Nordsjøbadet Spa (Sola Strand Hotel)

    These spas do not offer specific massages for pregnant women on their treatment list but they claim that they can:

  • Hud – Han og Henne

  • Stavanger Spa Clinique

  • Thalay Massasje

    • I called and asked if she offered massage for pregnant women however she spoke minimal Norwegian and minimal English and it was difficult to communicate but ultimately, I think she said she did do massages for pregnant women.

    Updated 10/10/10:Time Out, a spa located at Nytorget 4, 4013 Stavanger, just opened and is now offering 30% off on all their services for a limited time only! They offer manicures, pedicures, massages, facials and more!

    Check out their website here, email them or call them at 40229720/45872227.

    My personal review: I went for their 1.5 hr massage and was extremely pleased! The ambience was nice, with soothing music and more importantly, the masseuse was really good. I’d definitely go back there again! (I’ve already bought several giftcards for myself!)

    Other spas in Stavanger:

  • Kropp og Sjel
  • Stokka Velvaere

    • The list of places offered in this article are not exhaustive, if you know of other courses or other places which offer massages for expectant women, kindly share them in the comments below! Thank you! I will continue to update this article with reviews of the different places I go to for massages.

    Stavanger Expats ‘Having a Baby in Norway’ Series
    Part 1 – Finding Out and The First Appointment
    Part 2 – Private Ultrasound and the 2nd Doctor’s Appointment
    Part 3 – Routine Ultrasound and Meeting the Midwife
    Part 4 – Prenatal Courses, Exercise Classes and Massages
    Part 5 – What You May Need and Where to Buy Them
    Part 6 – Freebies Galore and Memories of Your Journey
    Part 7 – Innskrivning Dag and What to Pack for the Hospital
    Part 8 – Labour and Delivery
    Part 9 – After Your Delivery
    Part 10 – Activities for You and Your Baby in Stavanger
    Part 11: Budgeting for a New Baby
    Part 12 – Parental Leave and Your Job

    Having a Baby in Norway Part 4 – Prenatal Courses, Exercise Classes and Massages

    About Cynthia Myrnes

    Cynthia is a Singaporean who has been living in Stavanger since Feb 2008 with her Norwegian husband. She works as a physiotherapist here and also owns her own petsitting service, Stavanger Petsitter, for the residents of Stavanger. In addition, she manages the Stavanger International Moms group. She loves hanging out with friends, spending time with animals, travelling and watersports such as scuba diving and wake boarding. Most of all, she is enjoying the experience of being a first time mom!