Group versus conventional antenatal care for women (Review)

Antenatal care is one of the most important healthcare services provided for pregnant women around the world. In most Western countries, health care during pregnancy traditionally involves a schedule of one-to-one visits with a midwife, an obstetrician or a general practitioner (GP) in a hospital or clinic setting. A different way of providing pregnancy care involves use of a group model rather than a one-to-one approach. Group antenatal or pregnancy care has been developed in the USA in a model known as Centering Pregnancy. Care is provided by a midwife or an obstetrician to groups of eight to 12 women of similar gestational age. Groups meet eight to 10 times during pregnancy at the usual scheduled visits, with sessions running for 90 to 120 minutes. All pregnancy care is provided in this group setting by integrating the usual pregnancy health assessment with information, education and peer support.