CenteringPregnancy

The CenteringPregnancy group care model has changed how women and care providers feel about the patient care experience.

CenteringPregnancy replaces the traditional one-on-one prenatal visit by bringing together a group of 8-12 pregnant women, who have similar expected delivery dates to meet during a group prenatal visit.

During each of the 10 prenatal visits, pregnant women and their support person meet with a Nurse Midwife from one of our partnering hospitals and a medical assistant for 90 minutes to two hours. Each visit consists of:

• Health assessment—checking weight and blood pressure
• Interactive learning—discussing important topics for a healthy pregnancy
• Community building in a group setting- an opportunity to learn and grow with other mothers from all over the Chicagoland area

Centering has shown to have positive outcomes for women who participate, including higher birth weights, lower rates of preterm delivery, and more initiation of breastfeeding at birth. Centering care also increases patient and provider satisfaction and provides a sense of community for moms, some of whom are isolated and overwhelmed.

Patients love the group model of care that supports the physical and emotional needs of expecting mothers.

Expectant moms were asked what they would tell other women about getting their prenatal care through the Centering model. Here is what they had to say: