Ancient canal lit gaudily in preparation for delivery (9,6)

I believe the answer is:

antenatal clinic

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'ancient canal lit gaudily in preparation for delivery' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'ancient canal lit gaudily in preparation for delivery' is the wordplay.
'ancient canal lit' can be anagrammed to 'ANTENATAL CLINIC'.
But, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

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I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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