Program

Nurse-Midwifery M.S.

Year Approved

2017

First Advisor

Vingers, Julie Ann

Abstract

Background: Neonatal outcomes have not improved over the past 30 years in spite of increases in funding and utilization. New models of prenatal care, such as Centering Pregnancy, need to be evaluated for effectiveness. This critical review of the literature focuses on comparing birth outcomes, maternal weight gain, and adequacy of prenatal care between group and traditional care models. Results: Newborns with mothers in group care were more likely to be born at later gestational ages and with higher birth weights. Mothers in group care were more likely to use contraception postpartum and have better prenatal attendance. Women in at-risk populations were more likely to follow the Institute of Medicine’s recommended weight gain guidelines than those in traditional care. Conclusions: Group prenatal care positively affects birth outcomes, maternal weight gain, and adequacy of prenatal care in the general population as well as in at-risk groups. Group prenatal care is a good alternative method of prenatal care for women. Implications: Evidence shows the benefits of group care in all areas researched. Nurse-midwives need to implement this by shifting towards group prenatal care as well as participating in research studies focused on cost-analysis of care models, psychosocial outcomes, the effect of group care on higher risk pregnancies, and provider satisfaction.

Degree Name

M.S. Nurse-Midwifery

Document Type

Masterʼs thesis

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