Sumter OB-GYN now offers the CenteringPregnancy model of care. Our practice was one of only four practices selected in South Carolina to implement this model of care in the summer of 2017.
CenteringPregnancy is a multifaceted model of group care that integrates the three
major components of care: health assessment, education, and support, into a unified program within a group setting. Eight to twelve women with similar gestational ages meet together, learning care skills, participating in a facilitated discussion, and developing a support network with other group members. Each Pregnancy group meets for a total of 10 sessions throughout pregnancy and early postpartum. The practitioner, within the group space, completes standard physical health assessments.
Read more about this program below. Also make sure to talk to our staff during your next visit if you are interested in participating in this new, multi-faceted group care program.
CenteringPregnancy is:
- Prenatal care in a group session with a Provider
- More time with your Provider
- No time spent sitting in the waiting room
- Learning more about your health
- Active participation in your care
- A community of friends
Through this unique model of care, women are empowered to choose health-promoting behaviors. Health outcomes for pregnancies, specifically increased birth weight and gestational age of mothers that deliver preterm, and the satisfaction expressed by both the women and their providers, support the effectiveness of this model for the delivery of care.
CenteringPregnancy groups provide a dynamic atmosphere for learning and sharing that is impossible to create in a one-to-one encounter. Hearing other women share concerns which mirror their own helps the woman to normalize the whole experience of pregnancy. Groups also are empowering as they provide support to the members and also increase individual motivation to learn and change. Professionals report that groups provide them with renewed satisfaction in delivering quality care.
There are 13 elements which define the Centering model of care:
- Health assessment occurs within the group space.
- Participants are involved in self-care activities.
- A facilitative leadership style is used.
- The group is conducted in a circle.
- Each session has an overall plan.
- Attention is given to the core content, although emphasis may vary.
- There is stability of group leadership.
- Group conduct honors the contribution of each member.
- The composition of the group is stable, not rigid.
- Group size is optimal to promote the process.
- Involvement of support people is optional.
- Opportunity for socializing with the group is provided.
- There is ongoing evaluation of outcomes.