Any you recommend for me that will really give me a head start, like Lamaze or relaxation or something? I’m pretty nervous about labor, even though I’m only 7 weeks! Has to be online or a dvd though as i will be travelling this summer. Thanks for your help!! 
What do you want to get out of a labor/birth class?
[name]Do[/name] you want a natural/drug-free birth? In that case, a class that really focuses on relaxation techniques would be important. If you’re not really sure what you want to do, an online class from your hospital might be a good place to start. I think a hospital class usually presents general information about both epidurals and natural coping techniques.
You said that you’ll be travelling during the summer, but you’re 7 weeks now. Would you be able to wait until after summer and then take a local class in your area? That might open up more options for you. Most people I know start taking a labor/birth class when they’re in late second trimester or early third trimester. Some local class instructors might also be able to send you videos or information if you miss a few classes.
I’m early third trimester now, and I just started feeling nervous about labor and birth. I want a natural birth, so I was looking specifically for a natural birth class, but they’re very expensive, even online ones (usually at least $300, which is too much for me with all my other expenses right now). So I’m just reading [name]Bradley[/name] method books instead, and practicing the exercises, and I’m hoping to hire a doula.
Sorry I can’t help you with specific online class recommendations. I’m sure if you google a bit you can find something. So far though, I’ve found that just the books have helped a lot and I no longer feel so panicky about labor. You could start out by reading some books from your library and see where that takes you.
Usually you do not start taking childbirth classes until your third trimester, so you have a great deal of time. Honestly it help to have the information presented relatively close to the time you give birth, so you don’t forget.
When you establish care with an OB/CNM they will automatically give you great information on local birthing classes. Anyone with hospital privileges will have relationships with local hospitals (i.e. a doctor or nurse-midwife can’t just admit to any hospital, they have relationships where they attend) so your birthplace itself will likely have classes as well, in addition to tours of the facilities, discussion of their check-in and registration protocols, etc.
Thank you!! That’s true, I’ll be back home for the entire 3rd trimester and can take a class here 
I am most likely getting an epidural, but I’m still going to be anxious so I still want to learn about relaxing and all that good stuff.
You do have frequent OB/gyn checkups and several tests as part of normal prenatal care. None of these tests is superfluous, they are quite important in diagnosing potential problems for you and your baby. Checkups are monthly at first. I’m not sure where you are traveling or what your purposes are but I would urge you not to skip out on these appointments. It wold be very very difficult to see a different person each month, to have your quad screen one place and your STD/ pap somewhere else and your anatomy scan a third place and your glucose tolerance test a fourth, etc.
Thanks for your advice! I’ll be coming home often. [name]Just[/name] ha my first checkup and scheduled the second. might need 1 appointment out of town but it’s with a better OB than the ones out here so I’m good!