Improving Health Outcomes in a Group Setting

Centering Pregnancy is a unique way to experience prenatal care as an alternative to traditional care wherein, parents-to-be are in a comfortable group setting. Led by nurse practitioners and certified midwives, the Centering Pregnancy program at St. Joseph’s Health OB-GYN Clinic offers small-group prenatal care to patients with low- and moderate-risk pregnancies. In addition to getting the obstetrical care you need, this approach allows you to bond with and learn from other pregnant patients during this life-changing experience.

What is Centering Pregnancy?

Centering Pregnancy includes one-on-one time with a provider; however, it goes beyond the traditional prenatal care visit by taking pregnant women out of the exam room and into a comfortable, welcoming group setting. There, you learn how to take your blood pressure and record your own health data. You also engage in discussions about the importance of good nutrition and exercise and how to manage stress, and you can get answers to your questions about labor, delivery, and more. During the program, you will develop bonds with others in your group and become better equipped for childbirth and how to care for your child.

Benefits of Centering Pregnancy

• Improved health outcomes: Some studies show that women who take part in these programs have better pregnancy outcomes.  The program reduces the risk of complications that can be associated with pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, premature deliveries, babies born with low birth weights, and postpartum depression. It also improves breastfeeding success and emphasizes the importance of well-care visits for your growing child.

• Support and friendship: You’ll learn and grow along with other women who are experiencing pregnancy on the same timeline as you. Centering moms develop lasting friendships and are wonderful resources to one another during this exciting time in their lives.

• Ease of planning and convenience: Dates and times are predetermined, making it easier to schedule around work, childcare and other life obligations.

Program Details

The program offers 9 sessions, each lasting 90-120 minutes:

• 8 prenatal sessions and 1 postpartum session
  • The first group takes place between 16-20 weeks of pregnancy.  They will meet monthly until 28 weeks, then every two weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly for weeks 37 and 38.
• At each session you will meet individually with your provider as well as meet in a group setting with other mothers-to-be who are due around the same date as you.
  • During your one-on-one sessions (“belly checks”), your provider to check your baby’s health and discuss private concerns. This is when you’ll receive the usual prenatal care, such as lab tests, prescriptions and ultrasounds.  This takes place in the group room but with a privacy screen so you can have individual private time with your individual questions, concerns and care.
  • The remaining time will be spent in a group setting with 8-10 other mothers-to-be.  Facilitated by providers or midwives, these sessions offer time to share and connect with women like you. Together, you will discuss topics such as exercise, nutrition, stress reduction, signs of labor, breastfeeding, and new baby care.
• Groups are available in English and Spanish.
• There is no cost to the program.

Contact Us

St. Joseph’s Health
OB-GYN Clinic
11 Getty Avenue
Paterson, NJ 07503
973-754-4275