What is Centering Pregnancy?
Shenandoah Women’s Healthcare (SWHC) started Centering Pregnancy care in 2009, but it has been widely practiced in many parts of the United States for a long time.
If you choose to take part in our Centering Pregnancy program, you’ll meet 10 times throughout your pregnancy with a small group of other women with similar due dates, along with a provider and nurse.
Group sessions are an opportunity to connect with other expectant moms, share stories, and talk about everything you’re going through both physically and emotionally.
What are the benefits of Centering Pregnancy?
The many benefits our Centering Pregnancy care can provide includes:
- Better Outcomes: Numerous health studies have shown that Centering Pregnancy has better birth outcomes for moms and babies.
- More Provider Time: This approach allows for 20 hours of care in a relaxed setting for the same cost as 2-4 hours of traditional individual care.
- More Education: Group sessions provide more time to ask your provider questions and the opportunity to learn from other moms in a similar stage of pregnancy.
- Less Waiting: Because you’re in a group setting, there’s no wasted time in the waiting room or exam room.
- Empowerment: This approach helps moms actively engage in their own pregnancy care and better prepares them for labor, delivery, and parenthood.
- Friendship and Support: Centering Pregnancy offers women a support group they can rely on throughout pregnancy. Many women create lasting friendships.
When polled, 96-97% of women said they prefer receiving their prenatal care in a group setting.
What should I expect in my 10 visits?
Group sessions are relaxing, low pressure, and fun. Plus snacks and refreshments are provided at every meeting. You’ll learn about issues like:
- Nutrition and exercise
- Comfort issues
- Stress reduction
- Oral health
- Birth preparation and recovery
- Parenting
- Sexuality and contraception
- Infant development and care
- Communication and self-esteem
These sessions last from 90 minutes to two hours. Also, at SWHC, our practitioners encourage you to engage in your own care by taking your own blood pressure and weight, as well as recording your own health data before private time with your provider for belly check.
Is Centering Pregnancy more expensive?
Centering Pregnancy costs the same as traditional care. Group sessions are an innovative way to give every mom more total time with her provider without adding time to the provider’s schedule.