Tidelands Health System - CenteringPregnancy Group Care

An innovative model of group care, CenteringPregnancy allows a pregnant woman to meet regularly with a nurse-midwife and several women in similar stages of pregnancy for health assessments, education and peer support. The program empowers the mother-to-be by teaching her how to be an active partner in her prenatal care. She learns how to check her blood pressure and test her urine sample, and work with the nurse-midwife to review her medical records, listen to her baby and measure her belly. Expectant mothers receive information about pregnancy stages, breastfeeding and caring for newborns from pediatricians, nutritionists and lactation consultants.

What is it?

An innovative model of group care, CenteringPregnancy allows a pregnant woman to meet regularly with a nurse-midwife and several women in similar stages of pregnancy for health assessments, education and peer support. The program empowers the mother-to-be by teaching her how to be an active partner in her prenatal care. She learns how to check her blood pressure and test her urine sample, and work with the nurse-midwife to review her medical records, listen to her baby and measure her belly. Expectant mothers receive information about pregnancy stages, breastfeeding and caring for newborns from pediatricians, nutritionists and lactation consultants.

Who is it for?

Pregnant women in the area.

Why do they do it?

The program is linked to increased birth weight and gestational age of pre-term newborns.

Impact

In Greenville, S.C., a cohort study of almost 4,000 women suggested that women who receive their prenatal care in groups have a 40 percent lower risk of preterm birth.

Contact: Mary Buono
Practice Manager
Telephone: 843-357-5048
Email: mbuono@carolinaobgyn.com