Centering Pregnancy is a new way of delivering quality prenatal care by bringing women together in groups. The group medical visits provide strengths-based, interactive, prenatal care including self-care education and support for high risk, low-income pregnant women. The group model increases prenatal and labor and delivery knowledge among patients.
Research indicates that women in Centering Pregnancy groups experience fewer emergency room visits and premature deliveries, and report knowing more and feeling more ready for labor and delivery.
Centering Pregnancy sessions are led by trained staff and medical providers who partner with patients to improve birth outcomes. During group visits, more time is spent in discussion so women learn from one another as well as from the clinician. Those who are least likely to ask questions, including many immigrants and refugees, are most likely to benefit from the group format. Within the relaxed, social environment of the group, providers have multiple opportunities to recognize and assess risk factors. Self care and risk reduction strategies are discussed at every visit. Nutrition is reviewed in the early sessions of the program and clients are screened for depression. Family Health Center offers Centering Pregnancy groups in English, Vietnamese, and Spanish. Interpretation is available in other languages upon request.