Clinical
CenteringPregnancy
If you are interested in this model of care, please contact us at centeringpregnancy@umc.edu or 601-815-9000
Select a topic to jump to a section
About CenteringPregnancy
Benefits of CenteringPregnancy
Our CenteringPregnancy Facilitators
CenteringPregnancy FAQs
Additional Resources
Partnerships
About CenteringPregnancy
While traditional prenatal care is always an option, UMMC also offers CenteringPregnancy, an evidence-based model of group prenatal care recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists based on studies that show group prenatal care can improve birth outcomes, patient education, social support, and patient satisfaction.
CenteringPregnancy reduces risks for preterm delivery, low birth weight, and Cesarean section. Our group approach gives families more time with dedicated providers to explore healthy pregnancy and parenting information in a supportive environment with families at similar stages in their pregnancy journey.
CenteringPregnancy includes a traditional health checkup with additional time and attention in a setting with other expectant parents. You’ll have your one-on-one healthcare checkup with your provider. Then you will join other women, who are due near the same time, for shared discussion of all things related to pregnancy, birth, the postpartum period, and parenthood.
Families enjoy the extra support they receive in our CenteringPregnancy groups, and we encourage you to give this evidence-based approach a try.
Benefits:
Better Health OutcomesNumerous studies have shown that CenteringPregnancy Moms have fewer preterm deliveries and overall healthier babies. "Give it a chance - you really will love it!" | Self-CareMoms are actively engaged in their own healthcare. "We covered things that I never would have thought to ask or discuss." |
Self-ConfidenceCenteringPregnancy moms are better prepared for labor, delivery, and the care of their infant. CenteringPregnancy moms better understand what is normal during pregnancy and what is cause for concern. "CenteringPregnancy is more personal and so much more fun than waiting rooms!" | More Time With Your ProvidersMoms in CenteringPregnancy spend 12 times more time with their providers than women in traditional care. "I loved the ability to talk more extensively with the professionals we were given access to." |
Support and FriendshipWomen enjoy being with other women – and their support people – who are going through a similar experience. This gives them an opportunity to share their knowledge and learn from one another and the wisdom of the group. CenteringPregnancy parents create lasting friendships. "I felt extra supported sharing the experience with other pregnant women and the wonderful staff." | Learning and FUNThe most common word used to describe CenteringPregnancy is FUN! In Centering, you are actively engaged and involved in a discussion with your peers, rather than being lectured to or given a pamphlet. Healthy, delicious snacks, interactive activities, and music are a part of every session. "Best two hours of my day! I'm going to miss my group so much." |
Our CenteringPregnancy Facilitators
| Dashunda Bunton Bailey, MPA, CHTS-IM |
| Elizabeth Lutz, MD, MPH |
| Jessica Martin, DNP, CNM |
| Erin Meredith Morris, DNP, CNM |
| Kimberly Rickard, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC |
| Janice Scaggs, CNM, DNP |
| Alexis Vollenweider, RN, Staff Nurse Grants Ferry |
CenteringPregnancy FAQs
What is CenteringPregnancy?
CenteringPregnancy is group prenatal care. You'll meet monthly with other women whose due dates are the same month as yours. Each visit lasts two hours and includes discussions around topics important for your current phase of pregnancy. We also do individual check-ins with your baby to ensure everything is going well. Snacks and cozy chairs are provided. Your visits will always start on time—no more sitting in the waiting room. You will still have some individual appointments at the beginning and end of your pregnancy and for ultrasounds, but most of your prenatal care will happen with your group. It's not a pregnancy class—it's a whole new way to do prenatal care. Best of all, research shows that women participating in CenteringPregnancy have higher rates of successful breastfeeding and satisfaction with their prenatal care and lower rates of preterm birth and low-birth-weight infants.
Is it mandatory, or can I choose traditional prenatal care?
If CenteringPregnancy doesn't work with your schedule, you can always choose traditional care. CenteringPregnancy families will receive the schedule of visits at their 12-week individual prenatal visit, so you'll be able to plan around your visits for the entire pregnancy.
Are partners allowed to come to the CenteringPregnancy visits?
Partner visits can be discussed with your facilitator.
What if the session times are inconvenient for me?
If times aren't convenient and there are no groups available at better times, you can choose traditional care. If you miss a session, you'll do a conventional prenatal visit to make up and rejoin your group.
How often do these groups meet? Does CenteringPregnancy stop at a certain gestation?
You'll do 10 total CenteringPregnancy sessions starting around 16-20 weeks of pregnancy. At first, you'll come in once a month. When you reach the third trimester, you'll come in once every two weeks until 36 weeks. You'll return to individual care for the last four weeks of pregnancy (36-40w). We can also add additional individual visits if problems (e.g., gestational diabetes) arise.
How long is each session?
Each session will run for about 2 hours. We'll have 1.5 hours of content with some buffer time on both ends to settle in, get a snack, have an individual belly check, and chat with your friends.
So, I wait in the waiting room, and then I'm there for two more hours?
There is no waiting in CenteringPregnancy. Your appointment will always start at the scheduled time, and you can walk straight back to the session without waiting to be called.
Is this a two-hour lecture on pregnancy?
No. That would be really boring for you. We'll briefly introduce each session's topic, but most of each session is built around you, your questions, discussions with other pregnant women and your needs. Ultimately, we want you to take control of your healthcare. We're here to give you the tools and guidance to do that.
Will I still get to see my favorite provider?
You likely will.
Additional Resources
Conditions and Treatments- Adolescent Gynecology
- Breast Health
- Fertility Services
- Gynecology
- Gynecologic Cancer
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Menopause Management
- Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Robotic-Assisted Surgery
- Women’s Pelvic Health and Reconstructive Surgery
- Women's Urgent Care
Patient Resources
Partnerships
 | This project is in collaboration with the Mississippi Public Health Institute. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), provides financial support for this project. The award provided 18% of the total costs for this project from an annual award of $1.2 million. The contents are those of the author. They may not reflect the policies of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. |
Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities
EversCare Clinic
Jackson Medical Mall
Suite 310-B, Next to Piccadilly
350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 815-9000