Group prenatal care empowers women and improves outcomes

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) recently began offering a new type of prenatal care that has been shown to significantly improve maternal and infant health outcomes. The CenteringPregnancy program, available at AHN West Penn Hospital and the AHN Federal North Medical Office building, offers a unique alternative to traditional prenatal visits by offering prenatal care in a small group setting.

Instead of attending individual prenatal care appointments, women join a small group of other expecting mothers for longer, more interactive sessions. These sessions are designed to foster a sense of community and support, allowing women to share their experiences, ask questions, and learn from each other. The format of the small group appointments follows practice guidelines from both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM).

“The group setting is really powerful,” says Krista Flaherty, LCSW, program manager of the AHN Women’s Institute. “It allows women to connect with others who are going through the same thing in a supportive environment that helps them feel less alone.”

Each group prenatal session takes place in a private, comfortable room and lasts between 90 minutes and two hours. During each session, women check their vitals and have time to meet one-on-one with their provider. Then, they talk with their group and get answers to questions. They also learn from guest speakers like doulas and lactation consultants.

The longer sessions help women feel more confident in their prenatal care and better prepared for labor, delivery, and infant care. “One of the biggest benefits of CenteringPregnancy is that it helps women feel more confident in their own ability to manage their pregnancy,” says Ms. Flaherty. “They learn about what’s normal, what’s not, and how to advocate for themselves.”

The CenteringPregnancy model is nationally recognized and has been shown to improve a wide range of birth outcomes, including lowering the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Participants also report more success with breastfeeding and a more empowering experience overall. They’re also more likely to achieve the recommended number of prenatal visits and return for follow-up postpartum care.

If you believe CenteringPregnancy could be a good fit for your patients, discuss the program with them and encourage them to learn more. You can learn more about CenteringPregnancy at AHN by calling (412) 578-5840 option 3.