Background

There is a gap in the evidence available about current antenatal education provision, content and organisation, including any innovative or targeted approaches, both online and face to face, in the UK, Italy and the Netherlands. Given its potential role, antenatal education requires higher prioritisation in research and contemporary maternity services.

Aim and objective

To map online information available to women and families about antenatal education provision in England, Italy and the Netherlands, with the objective to inform future antenatal care service provision.

Methods

A scoping review following Julia Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology has been undertaken. The search strategy aimed to locate relevant web pages reporting statutory and non-statutory antenatal education provision in England, the Netherlands and Italy. The search was conducted in April 2023.

Findings

A total of 1230 sources of evidence was identified (344 for England; 382 for Italy; 504 for the Netherlands), including 725 maternity services web pages (188 for England; 329 for Italy; 208 for the Netherlands) and 505 web pages from other providers (156 for England; 53 for Italy; 296 for the Netherlands). Five themes were identified in which to present results: 1) information availability; 2) access; 3) target population; 4) organisational aspects; 5) content.

Conclusion

The mapping of antenatal education provision advertised online in England, the Netherlands and Italy has highlighted heterogeneous practices and lack of information about what is available at national, regional and local levels, reflecting disparities between provision and recommendations.

Recommendations

Developments are required to improve information about and offer of antenatal education. Some points for further consideration are dissemination of clear, comprehensive and accessible information; provision of classes that are welcoming, inclusive and accessible; evidence-based understanding of the most effective content for antenatal classes.