Kaiser Permanente Offers New CenteringPregnancy Groups

Kaiser Permanente in the Diablo Area is now enrolling expectant mothers in “CenteringPregnancy” Group visits.

The program brings approximately 8-12 women, with due dates around the same time frame, together for monthly prenatal care. The group meets for 10 sessions, following the same visit schedule as traditional prenatal care with one visit per month until the third trimester when there are then two visits per month. The group culminates with a postpartum visit for the new parents and infants.

The goal of the program is to bring women together who are all experiencing a similar journey, let them ask questions of their care providers while receiving prenatal care and create bonds with other expectant parents.

“We are excited to bring this level of care to our members in the Diablo Area,” says Margie McConvey, manager of Women’s Health at the Delta Fair Medical Offices. “What makes these groups so special is that expectant mothers will be able to share their pregnancy with a group of women who are experiencing the same thing.”

“Our physicians and midwives will be there right alongside them, providing the same attentive and excellent care they would find in individual visits,” McConvey added. “These Centering visits allow expectant mothers more time with their provider, just in a format that offers more of a community and supportive experience.”

Participants will opt-in to this new group format after their first prenatal visit. The groups will meet in Pleasanton, the Delta Fair Medical Offices in Antioch and the Park Shadelands Medical Offices in Walnut Creek with sessions available morning, late afternoon and even some Saturdays, depending on the month and location.

Spouses or partners are encouraged to participate. Groups will begin this month for those women with low-risk pregnancies.

For more information, please contact (925) 779-5103.