What is it?
Group prenatal care is an alternative model of prenatal care that is delivered in a group setting and integrates health assessments, education, skill building, and peer social support. This service offers 15 to 20 hours of prenatal care to pregnant women throughout their pregnancies compared to the two to four hours provided in traditional prenatal care. During these sessions, the provider and group facilitators lead discussions with educational activities on common health topics and concerns.
What is the evidence base?
Mothers in group prenatal care have better prenatal knowledge, are more prepared for labor and delivery, and initiate breastfeeding more often. Mothers also have longer gestations and higher infant birth weights.
