• Author
    Alexandra Thompson
  • Discovery PI

    Mya Zapata, MD

  • Project Co-Author

    Dae-zhané Boland, MPH; Candace Gragnani, MD, MPH

  • Abstract Title

    Evaluating Prenatal Care Experiences and Postpartum Support Needs Among Patients Participating in Centering Pregnancy at UCLA Health

  • Discovery AOC Petal or Dual Degree Program

    Healthcare Improvement & Health Equity Research

  • Abstract

    Specialty

    Obstetrics and Gynecology

    Keywords:

    Centering Pregnancy; Postpartum Care; Qualitative Research

     

    Background

    Centering Pregnancy is an evidence-based model of group prenatal care that integrates clinical assessment, education, and peer support. Prior studies have associated Centering with improved patient engagement, psychosocial support, and select maternal-child outcomes, but little is known about how Centering is experienced within UCLA Health’s local clinical context. UCLA’s current prenatal care options include Centering Pregnancy, Centering Black Pregnancy-a model culturally tailored to Black families, and traditional individualized prenatal care. Yet, these models have not been systematically compared from the patient perspective. In addition, structured postpartum support remains limited, and patient-reported postpartum needs are not well characterized. This study addresses these gaps through qualitative evaluation of prenatal care experiences and postpartum support needs.

     

    Objective:

    To compare patient experiences in Centering Pregnancy versus traditional prenatal care at UCLA Health and to identify postpartum needs, barriers, and supports that may inform future development of a patient-centered Centering Postpartum model.

     

    Methods

    This is a single-site qualitative study within UCLA Health comparing patients who participated in Centering Pregnancy, including BlackCentering, with those who received traditional individualized prenatal care. We aim to recruit approximately 40 postpartum participants (20 Centering, 20 traditional care) who are age 18 years or older, English-speaking, delivered at UCLA on or after April 1, 2025, and completed at least 3 prenatal visits at UCLA. Semi-structured Zoom interviews assess care expectations, team experience, cultural relevance, support, stress, postpartum transition, and accessibility. Interviews are audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed in Dedoose using iterative thematic analysis with both inductive and deductive coding; grounded theory principles may guide theme development where appropriate.

     

    Results

    Recruitment and data collection are underway. Planned enrollment includes 40 postpartum participants across Centering Pregnancy and usual care groups. Preliminary outcomes of interest include perceived support, preparedness for postpartum recovery, access to resources, and program accessibility. Planned analysis will compare emergent themes across care models and identify cross-cutting domains relevant to curriculum development, including mental health, lactation support, trust in care teams, and structural barriers to postpartum follow-up. Results will be presented if available at the time of the meeting.

     

    Conclusions

    This study will provide early qualitative evidence on how group versus traditional prenatal care is experienced within UCLA Health. Findings are expected to identify actionable gaps in postpartum support and inform a patient-centered Centering Postpartum curriculum. This work may also highlight opportunities to improve continuity, equity, and emotional support in perinatal care.

     

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