Centering Pregnancy

Prenatal appointments tend to focus on the physical aspects of pregnancy – how much the baby is growing, checking heart rates, blood pressure and more. Though you develop a close relationship with your OBGYN, often the only contact you have with other mothers-to-be is a quick smile or hello in the waiting room.

Centering pregnancy seeks to change that by combining individual medical appointments with group-based prenatal education held on the same day. This gives women the chance to ask questions and share information with other expectant parents throughout their pregnancy and beyond.

In this interview, Dr. Julia Cormano talks to certified nurse midwife Vanessa Wright about the centering pregnancy program at UC San Diego. During a centering pregnancy, expectant mothers with similar due dates meet regularly to go through the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy together. Learn how the appointments work, who is on the care team, and how the group creates a safe space while assuring individual medical needs are met.

Watch What is Centering Pregnancy?.

Abortion Access: A Conversation

Extreme abortion restrictions are becoming commonplace across the nation. How are we as a nation responding to these changes?

National and UCSF leaders discuss the current state of reproductive health and justice in the context of abortion access. This panel discusses the impacts of the movement to repeal the ACA, the potential overturn of Roe v. Wade, as well as the community-based programs helping women in need.

Watch — National Perspective on Threats and Opportunities for Abortion Access – Meeting the Needs of Patients Post Roe v. Wade, Part 1 of 2

Watch — National Perspective on Threats and Opportunities for Abortion Access – Meeting the Needs of Patients Post Roe v. Wade, Part 2 of 2

Genetic Counselors – An Important Resource

Genetic counselors do more than interpret lab results. They can guide you through pre-pregnancy planning, help facilitate discussions about family history, and so much more. With so much genetic information available to expectant parents, it is important to have a resource who can not only collect data but help you understand the results.

Dr. Julia Cormano sits down with genetic counselors Christina Brock and Andrea Procko to find out how they support patients throughout pregnancy.

Watch — Genetic Counseling for Pregnancy