Maternity care is centered on the patient

UF Health Women’s Center is the first to offer a model of group prenatal care at one of its women’s centers to help reduce the risk of premature birth in North Florida.

Pregnant women who wish to participate in the CenteringPregnancy model are grouped by their due dates. After a standard visit to their provider, the women join a group during their fourth month of pregnancy and meet monthly for 1.5-hour sessions. During these sessions with their health care provider, the women receive all the components of individual prenatal care, including health assessment, education and support.

The women and their provider enjoy camaraderie, discuss birth and newborn care as well as overall health and stress management. These meetings continue throughout the length of pregnancy, with appointments occurring more frequently at the end of term.

Potential participants must select their provider from within the group of approved providers at UF Health Women’s Center and be less than four months pregnant. To participate, call 352-265-8200.