book the NHS one's just in case. I had the NCT ones cancelled as there wasn't enough to run the class. :(
Went to the NHS ones which were meant to be for those due in December, but it seemed anyone could just turn up if they know the dates. We were packed into the laundry room, about 40 of us, only sitting space was for women, men had to stand or sit on the floor. Many refused to leave even when they weren't due until March.
NHS classes were the last two weeks of November, so very close to due dates [my original one was 12th December].
The NHS ones had lots of people who hadn't even picked up a baby book and asked the most basic of questions, we had to assume everyone knew nothing, which meant that we never got to have any detail. So it wasn't as helpful.
I've been to one NCT session [training to be a BF peer supporter] and was impressed with the session I attended. I know they are expensive, but you only do it once. For me, it would have been more valuable to attend an NCT one. The aftercare is far superior, if you are worried about anything, they will talk to you one to one and offer support after too. Obviously you do meet the members that are due around the same time as you, it's good to do the meet ups once they arrive and many do keep in touch for years.
Now I'm on my second there really isn't much point in me going to them as I've been through a birth and am a little more calmer than a first timer [I was a bag of nerves].
I am not sure if the information in your areas will be different, but when PG with DD I received an NHS pregnancy book, full of information [basics] about pregnancy, delivery, problems, check ups etc. They don't offer it in my area any more, so glad I kept hold of my copy.