Pregnancy is a time filled with change, questions, and new experiences. For many families, prenatal care follows a familiar pattern: short, one-on-one visits focused on checking physical health and tracking progress.

While that model plays an important role in monitoring the health of both parent and baby, it can sometimes feel limited, especially when there are many questions to ask and not much time to ask them.

At WFMC Health, Centering Pregnancy® offers a different approach. By combining medical care with education and community, it creates space for a more connected and supportive prenatal experience.

SalazarDevin
Devin Salazar, MSN, CNM

What Is Centering Pregnancy®?

Centering Pregnancy® is a model of prenatal care that replaces traditional individual visits with group sessions. Patients with similar due dates are brought together in a small group and meet regularly throughout their pregnancy.

Each session includes time for routine health assessments, but it also allows for discussion, education, and shared learning. Visits are longer than traditional appointments (often lasting 90 minutes or more) which gives patients more opportunity to engage and ask questions.

“It’s unique in the sense that it’s a group model,” Devin Salazar, MSN, CNM, explained. “It’s also unique in the sense that people get an hour and a half to two hours each visit with their provider.”

By expanding the structure of the visit, Centering Pregnancy® creates more space for both care and connection.

More Time for Questions, Learning, and Support

One of the most noticeable differences in Centering Pregnancy® is the amount of time patients have during each visit. In a traditional model, providers often need to focus on essential health checks within a short timeframe. While important, that can make it difficult to fully explore questions or talk through concerns in depth.

Centering Pregnancy® allows for more meaningful conversations. Patients have time to ask questions, hear from others, and engage more actively in learning about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. This additional time can help patients feel more informed and more confident as they move through pregnancy.

Making Sense of Information in a Digital World

Many expecting parents come into visits with information they have found online or through social media. While access to information has increased, it can also be overwhelming and sometimes confusing.

Centering Pregnancy® provides a space to talk through that information with guidance from a provider and input from others who may have similar questions.

“I see women having access to a lot more information, but also a lot more questioning of the quality of the information,” Devin explained.

Instead of trying to sort through everything alone, patients can ask questions, compare perspectives, and receive reliable, evidence-based guidance in a supportive setting.

Pregnancy Group Appointment WFMC Health

Building Community and Reducing Isolation

Pregnancy can be a deeply personal experience, but it can also feel isolating.

Centering Pregnancy® addresses that isolation by bringing people together in person. Patients meet others who are going through similar experiences at the same time, which can create a strong sense of connection.

“In an age when people are very digitally connected, it’s a way to really bring people into the present moment with each other in person,” Devin said.

These connections often continue outside of sessions. Patients may stay in touch, share experiences, and support one another throughout pregnancy and into early parenthood. That sense of community can have a meaningful impact on emotional well-being during and after pregnancy.

Supporting Partners and Families

Centering Pregnancy® also creates space for partners and support people to be involved in care.

Partners are encouraged to attend sessions, which allows them to learn alongside the pregnant parent and feel more prepared for both childbirth and parenting.

“It’s a really sweet and beautiful way to see partners come alongside the pregnant person and be equipped with really good information and preparation,” Devin shared.

Including partners in the process can strengthen communication, build confidence, and help families feel more supported as they prepare for a new baby.

Improved Outcomes and Greater Confidence

In addition to the personal and relational benefits, Centering Pregnancy® is also supported by research.

“I like that it’s data driven. There’s a lot of really robust research showing improved outcomes,” Devin explained.

Some of those outcomes include lower rates of preterm birth, fewer low birth weight infants, reduced likelihood of NICU admissions, higher breastfeeding rates, and improved mental health outcomes.

Participants also report feeling more prepared and more satisfied with their overall pregnancy and birth experience. Having more time, more information, and more support can help patients feel confident in their decisions and better prepared for what comes next.

Kristen Jamsa, FNP, CNM
Kristen Jamsa, FNP, CNM

A More Meaningful Experience of Care

At its core, Centering Pregnancy® creates an experience that feels more connected and more complete.

Instead of moving quickly through appointments, patients have time to build relationships—both with their provider and with others in the group. They can ask questions, share experiences, and feel supported throughout the process.

“I really like to be able to sit and get to know people and provide a lot of education and answer questions, which gets to be pretty limited when we have to rush through visits,” Devin shared.

Is Centering Pregnancy® Right for You?

Every pregnancy is different, and the right care model depends on your preferences and needs.

Centering Pregnancy® may be a good fit if you:

  • want more time to ask questions
  • prefer a more interactive, discussion-based experience
  • value connection with other expecting parents
  • are looking for additional support during pregnancy

Some people may feel unsure about a group setting at first, which is completely normal. But many find that the experience becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their pregnancy.

“I think often people are a little skeptical… but the vast majority of the time people stick on with it and really, really enjoy themselves,” Devin said.

A More Connected Approach to Prenatal Care

At WFMC Health, Centering Pregnancy® reflects a commitment to caring for the whole person—not just the clinical aspects of pregnancy, but the emotional, educational, and community needs as well.

By creating space for connection, conversation, and support, it offers prenatal care that helps families feel more prepared, more confident, and more connected every step of the way.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re looking for prenatal care that offers more time, support, and connection, WFMC Health offers Centering Pregnancy® as part of our commitment to community-centered care.

Our team is here to support you through every stage of pregnancy with compassion, education, and partnership. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact WFMC Health today.

This article was first published on WFMCHealth.org.