Now, the March of Dimes is hailing a new approach to preventing this health crisis.
At Wilford Hall Medical Center, expectant mothers whose babies are due about the same time meet to monitor their progress and discuss their concerns. It’s an innovative program called “Centering Pregnancy,” putting a new twist on prenatal care.
“Women who are alone or have a feeling of being alone are at much greater risk for having problems in their pregnancy than women who are in a nurturing environment,” said Dr. Donald Dudley, an OB/GYN with the U.T. Health Science Center who also works with the March of Dimes.
Routine testing like ultrasounds and measurements are part of the bi-weekly get-together. But it’s the camaraderie with other women that experts believe sparks better outcomes.
The meetings give women a chance to compare notes and see if what they’re experiencing is normal, a reassurance they don’t get in a 15 minute OB office visit.
“In a lot of centering sessions, women will exchange numbers, emails,” explained Maj. Gwendolyn Foster, a nurse manager with the program. “If they need something, they call each other, things they wouldn’t get in traditional care.”
At the 16 Centering Pregnancy sites in Texas, the pre-term birth rate is half the state average. It’s a unique method that could change the way pregnant women handle the stress of carrying a baby.
“This has definitely helped a lot,” commented Amanda Garcia, 29, who is expecting her third child. “It eases your anxiety, your stress that you have because you can come and just relax.”
“That may be what we are doing with the Centering Pregnancy,” Dudley said, “is actually recapitulating family.”
Reducing pre-term birth saves money, too. Average medical cost for a health full-term baby is $3,000. For a preemie, it’s $32,000.
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