Prenatal care in groups

Centering Pregnancy is an innovative form of group prenatal care where groups of couples with similar due dates meet regularly throughout their pregnancies. The program takes the need for appointments with a provider and childbirth education classes, and combines them into one.

The group will meet once a month for 90 minutes for the first four sessions and then will meet every two weeks leading up to the birth. Each couple also will receive one-on-one time with a provider during the meeting to check the baby's growth and address and personal concerns.

The benefits of Centering Pregnancy include:

• Support network
  Women with similar due dates meet throughout their pregnancies. Get reassurance and validation that your experience is shared by other women and that what you're going through is normal.
• Extended provider contact
  You'll still get one-on-one time with a health care provider to get measured and hear your baby's heartbeat in a semiprivate setting. Centering Pregnancy sessions give you 90 minutes of combined private and group time with a provider ― time to ask questions, learn about your baby's development and practice self-care skills.
• Scheduling simplified
  All of your appointments are scheduled at the beginning of your pregnancy. Sessions will always start and end on time with no waiting. You can plan other activities and coordinate child care knowing your schedule, and you don't have to worry about setting up an appointment each month.
• Knowledge amplified
  In Centering Pregnancy groups, you'll learn how to weigh yourself and take your own blood pressure. Being active in your own care, you'll have access to information and tools to make healthy choices for you and your baby.

The group will meet on weekday afternoons. Sessions are held monthly at the beginning and then every two weeks as your due date approaches. A light snack and beverages will be provided at each session.