What is Centering Pregnancy?

Instead of the current (individual) check-ups during pregnancy, care is offered in ten sessions to a group of ten to twelve pregnant women of approximately the same gestational age.

These sessions combine pregnancy checkups in a fun and informal way with information, interactive learning methods and conversations about what concerns you and your fellow pregnant women during pregnancy.

Active engagement

Group meetings begin with medical checkups. You measure your blood pressure and weigh yourself and write these down in your pregnancy book. Secluded from the group, the midwife does the external examination; feeling your belly and listening to your heart with the doptone! We will continue in a group setting; in a creative way we will discuss one or more topics each meeting that fit the stage of your pregnancy. Your partner is welcome during the first half hour of the meeting and when childbirth is discussed.

Why is Centering Pregnancy recommended?

A regular pregnancy checkup lasts 10 minutes. After taking blood pressure and listening to the heart, not much time is left to give information and answer questions. With Centering Pregnancy, a session lasts two hours. Because all dates are set in advance, this is often very easy to fit into your schedule. A variety of topics can be covered in those two hours. Because of the group dynamics, you get a lot of information and experiences from the group. You become more extensively informed and face childbirth with even more confidence. In time, when you know each other better and are familiar with the group, the group also offers a lot of support
Research in America has shown that the outcomes of pregnant women who participate in Centering Pregnancy are better than those of women who choose the traditional form. Research in The Netherlands has yet to show whether this is also the case here, but based on experiences so far, expectations are positive.

How often?

Sessions are initially once every four weeks, then once every two weeks. So you can schedule them well in advance in your calendar!

How does it work

In total there are 9 to 10 sessions, the last one is together with your baby. The sessions are guided by a regular midwife (Annemarijn, Alien, Elke, Imke, Imre, Marissa or Mirthe) and CO supervisor (Anja, Irma, Christien & Marga ). The last weeks of your pregnancy you will come back weekly for individual check-ups with the midwives of your team.

For more info on Centering Pregnancy click here