LAYTON—Moms-to-be now have the opportunity to meet together with others in a new group-based prenatal care program called Centering Pregnancy. It is currently being offered at Intermountain Health’s Layton Parkway Women’s Health Clinic on the campus of Intermountain Health Layton Hospital. Intermountain Health has partnered with the nonprofit Centering Healthcare Institute to bring the program to Utah.

“We’re excited to have this in Layton,” said Leah Moses, a certified nurse-midwife and the advanced practice provider director for the women's health clinical program at Intermountain Health. “First-time moms may not be keyed into others. We live digital lives and this gives moms a forum to interact in person.”

It’s a hands-on learning circle format, she said. “That way you can look at each other. It’s different from an exam room.”

When women in their first trimester come in they have a traditional one-on-one visit with their midwife in an exam room. In the second trimester patients have the option to participate in the two hour group session.

It includes a quick, private check to measure fetal growth done behind a curtain with a sound barrier for privacy, said Moses. “A medical assistant takes their blood pressure and checks their weight.”

In the group setting participants can share their own understanding of pregnancy, she said. “They share their experiences, fears and hopes. In a way it’s like talking to friends.” 

The suburban lifestyle can feel a little separate, Moses said. “More and more women are saying this is what they want.”

All different ages are welcome, she said. “It’s a mix of older moms and new, which makes for a much richer discussion. It’s an inclusive environment so that everyone feels comfortable. You don’t have to share if you don’t want to.” 

The facilitators are a midwife and medical assistant, said Moses. “That great thing is there’s an expert as well as the moms that come. One midwife stays with the same group for the nine week session.”

Patients meet the whole practice, she said. “They get to know everyone, the people in lactation, labor and delivery, a nurse and midwife. Everyone gets involved.”

Groups are small, Moses said. “We have 10-12 moms and sometimes partners. It’s not meant to be a class. Topics are steered to lived experience. In the discussion moms learn the facts and what’s correct. No clicking or TikTok. We dive deep.”

The national and global data show Centering Pregnancy groups lead to higher health literacy of patients by the time they deliver, increased self-confidence, reduced preterm birth rates, and better health outcomes for mom and baby, she said. “It also helps reduce health disparities among various populations.” 

Moses said as a provider she’s passionate about group care. “It’s individualized but together.” 

To learn more call the clinic at 801-543-6850 or visit centeringhealthcare.org.