Women's perceptions of centeringpregnancy: a focus group study

Abstract

Objectives: CenteringPregnancy, a model of group prenatal care, provides healthcare assessment, education, and support to women. The current study was designed to determine women's perceptions of the CenteringPregnancy program.

Methods: Twenty-one women participating in CenteringPregnancy, as part of a larger study, shared their thoughts related to the strengths and weaknesses of their healthcare, thoughts on improvement, and how the care impacted their health and health behaviors. A thematic and iterative analysis process, assisted by Ethnograph 6.0, allowed for the emersion of important themes that were validated in a member check process.

Results: The focus group participants provided rich insights into their prenatal experiences in CenteringPregnancy. Four substantive themes emerged from the data: It's about respect, Knowledge is Power, I'm a better mother, and Supporting each other.

Conclusions: CenteringPregnancy was well-received by urban, low-income women during their pregnancy and may have value with select populations. Themes, exemplar quotes, and participant observations may assist others interested in implementing the CenteringPregnancy model of care.