CenteringPregnancy: A Review of Implementation and Outcomes

Abstract

Importance CenteringPregnancy (CP) is a model for group prenatal care associated with improved perinatal outcomes for preterm birth and low birthweight, increased rates of breastfeeding, and higher rates of patient and clinician satisfaction. Objective The study aims to review the literature related to perinatal outcomes associated with CP, benefits and barriers to implementation, and utility of the model. Evidence An electronic-based search was performed in PubMed using the search terms “CenteringPregnancy” OR “Centering Pregnancy,” revealing 221 articles. Results The CP model improves patient centeredness, efficiency, and equality in prenatal care. Challenges include administrative buy-in, limited resources, and financial support. Multisite retrospective studies of CP demonstrate improved maternal, neonatal, postpartum, and well-being outcomes, especially for participants from minority backgrounds; however, prospective studies had mixed results. CenteringPregnancy is feasibly implemented with high tenet fidelity in several low- and middle-income settings with improved perinatal outcomes compared with traditional care. Conclusions CenteringPregnancy is feasible to implement, largely accepted by communities, and shows positive qualitative and quantitative health outcomes. This body of literature supports CP as a potential tool for decreasing racial inequalities in prenatal access, quality of care, and maternal mortality. Further investigation is necessary to inform obstetric clinicians about the potential outcome differences that exist between group and traditional prenatal care. Target Audience Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians. Learning Objectives After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to explain the core components and structure of the CP model; discuss the benefits and challenges of CP implementation and its impact on perinatal and neonatal outcomes; and describe the effect of CP on racial/ethnic disparities in perinatal outcomes.