Centering Pregnancy prenatal program
Find an OB-GYNPregnancy brings new experiences as you prepare for your baby. Centering Pregnancy offers a different way to receive prenatal care – one that brings you together with others, gives you more time with your care team and helps you feel supported throughout your pregnancy.
What is Centering Pregnancy?
Centering Pregnancy is a prenatal care program offered to expecting parents in a group setting. Instead of traditional one-on-one prenatal visits, you’ll meet with your provider and a small group of people who are due around the same time. Sessions are led by a member of your maternity care team and are held in a comfortable, relaxed space where you can learn and share experiences together.
You’ll still have private time with your provider during each group visit for checkups and questions. In your final month, you’ll alternate between group sessions and individual visits each week.
You’ll cover topics such as:
- Stages of pregnancy
- Labor and delivery
- Breastfeeding and nutrition
- Newborn care
With a team of caregivers and other expecting parents at your side, you’ll have a supportive, interactive experience that helps you feel prepared for each stage of pregnancy and beyond.
How Centering Pregnancy works
The program includes 10 scheduled prenatal visits. Each session lasts about two hours and replaces most traditional visits during your pregnancy. Sessions are led by members of your maternity care team, including OB-GYNs and nurse practitioners.
What are the benefits of Centering Pregnancy?
Centering Pregnancy offers more than standard prenatal visits. It creates space for education, connection and support. Benefits include:
- Spending more time with your care team.
- Building relationships with other expecting parents going through a similar experience.
- Learning in a supportive, group setting.
- Feeling more prepared for labor, delivery and newborn care.
- Following a structured schedule with 10 planned visits.
Research shows group prenatal care can lead to healthier outcomes, including lower rates of low birth weight and fewer emergency visits or after-hours calls.
Frequently asked questions about Centering Pregnancy
Centering Pregnancy is offered to expecting parents at Advocate Trinity Hospital.
You can learn more about Centering Pregnancy during your obstetrics welcome visit. If you’re interested, speak with your provider or care team to sign up. You can join the program through the third session, up to 24 weeks into your pregnancy. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
You may be able to bring a support person to some sessions. The group helps decide which visits are open to guests.
There is no additional cost for Centering Pregnancy. Visits are billed and covered by insurance the same way as traditional one-on-one prenatal care.