Expecting a baby can be an exciting, emotional and at times overwhelming experience. What if your prenatal visits not only supported your physical health but also gave you a sense of connection, community and confidence? That’s the idea behind CenteringPregnancy®, a growing movement in maternity care.
What Is CenteringPregnancy®?
CenteringPregnancy® is a model of prenatal care that brings together pregnant women with similar due dates to receive medical care, education and emotional support, all in a group setting.
Unlike traditional one-on-one prenatal visits, Centering offers a more interactive experience. This approach shifts prenatal care from a brief visit to a shared experience that focuses on learning, support and community building.
Each session combines standard prenatal checkups with guided discussions, led by a healthcare provider and a trained facilitator. Pregnant people and their partners also learn to take part in their own care by tracking their weight and blood pressure, and discussing any concerns in a supportive group.
Benefits of CenteringPregnancy® for Expectant Mothers
Centering can both improve pregnancy outcomes and help women to feel more empowered, less anxious and isolated, and better informed throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum period.
In fact, up to 96–97 percent of pregnancy people and their partners in the Stony Brook Centering Pregnancy program say they prefer this model over traditional prenatal care.
Studies show that women who participate in CenteringPregnancy® programs tend to experience:
- Fewer preterm births (33 percent fewer, according to some research)
- Lower rates of emergency C-sections
- Higher rates of breastfeeding
- Better engagement in their own health
- Improved spacing between pregnancies
- Better well-child visit attendance and immunization rates
- Lower rates of postpartum depression
- Dramatically reduced racial disparities in preterm birth, especially among African American women
One reason so many moms-to-be enjoy being involved in a Centering group is because of the community aspect. Sharing this journey with others at the same stage helps normalize the ups and downs of pregnancy and provides support, including for first-time moms who may be feeling nervous or unprepared.
How Does CenteringPregnancy® Work?
Participants meet regularly in group sessions that include a private health assessment, self-monitoring tools (like blood pressure and weight), and conversations on topics like nutrition, labor prep, newborn care and stress management.
What happens during a CenteringPregnancy® session? Each 90- to 120-minute session includes:
- A brief, individual health check-in
- Guided group discussions of about 6 to 10 women led by a provider
- Opportunities to ask questions and share experiences
- Interactive activities on topics like breastfeeding, parenting and emotional wellness
Common Questions About CenteringPregnancy®
Is CenteringPregnancy® right for me?
Centering works well for most expectant mothers, especially those looking for more time with their provider, peer support and hands-on learning in a group setting.
Who is Centering best for?
Centering is a great fit for most low- to moderate-risk pregnancies. It’s ideal for pregnant people who enjoy learning in a group setting, want to build relationships with others who are due at the same time, and value extended time with their care team.
Many first-time parents and those looking for a more holistic prenatal experience find it to be especially beneficial. Group members are of different ages, races, family structures and socio-economic backgrounds, and are all welcome to join.
Who might not be a good candidate for CenteringPregnancy®?
Centering may not be the best option for people with high-risk pregnancies requiring more frequent or specialized monitoring, or for those who prefer private, one-on-one visits. However, some practices offer hybrid options combining group care with additional individual appointments.
How does Centering compare to traditional prenatal care?
Unlike the standard 15-minute visit model, Centering sessions last 90–120 minutes and include private check-ins, education and peer support. While traditional care focuses more on physical health monitoring, Centering also emphasizes emotional well-being, self-care and patient empowerment.
Do I still get one-on-one time with a provider?
Yes. Each Centering session includes a private, individual health assessment with your provider before the group discussion begins. You’ll also learn to monitor your own blood pressure and weight, helping you take an active role in your care.
What kinds of topics are discussed in CenteringPregnancy®?
Facilitated group discussions cover a wide range of topics, such as healthy eating during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, tools for coping with pregnancy symptoms, labor preparation, breastfeeding strategies, newborn care, stress management and parenting topics. The content often evolves based on the group’s unique needs and questions.
CenteringPregnancy® at Stony Brook Medicine
At Stony Brook Medicine, we’re proud to offer a CenteringPregnancy® program that reflects the national Centering model, bringing high-quality care and meaningful support to expectant mothers across Long Island.
Our program includes:
- Small, supportive groups of about 6 to 10 women due around the same time
- Extended visits (90 to 120 minutes each), which include 10x more time with your provider than traditional prenatal care visits
- One-on-one health assessments combined with group education
- Discussions on everything from nutrition to newborn care
- Opportunities to form lasting relationships with other moms-to-be
The results speak for themselves. The Stony Brook CenteringPregnancy® program has led to:
- 33 percent reduction in preterm births
- High rates of breastfeeding initiation and continuation
- Nearly all pregnant people and their partners report greater satisfaction and understanding of pregnancy
If you have questions about our program, we’d love to hear from you. To learn more, visit the Centering Pregnancy at Stony Brook Medicine page here. You can also contact Amanda Bendick, LPN, by calling (631) 444-5163.
