Additional Support During A Pregnancy

A group that provides educational materials and peer support can be an asset to a new mom-to-be or a mother who struggled during a previous pregnancy. The following information outlines where to seek help and adequate medical care throughout a pregnancy.

Community Groups

Prenatal care groups are offered in many communities. Women of all ages and races are welcome to sign up for a group. An OBGYN or a women's resource center like Cathy J. Berry M.D. & Associates can refer a pregnant woman to a care group within the region that she resides in. Community groups may involve instructor-led classes, social interactions with other pregnant women, and demonstrations.

Some groups may feature physical meetings and remote resources that a woman can access from the comfort of her home. Remote resources may involve accessing a care group's website and reading material that is posted or connecting with a mentor who can provide one-on-one guidance.

Benefits

Taking part in a prenatal care group should not replace being seen by an OBGYN. To increase the odds that a pregnancy reaches full term, a woman will need to be examined by a medical doctor and undergo a series of tests at various intervals throughout a pregnancy. A prenatal care group provides an additional form of support that can help a pregnant woman remain healthy throughout a pregnancy.

A woman may learn about healthy foods to eat and substances to abstain from while she is pregnant. A care group will often not solely focus on the pregnancy itself. It may provide educational tools that will help a mom-to-be learn to care for a newborn. Instructions about how to feed and change a baby and provide nurturing support may be offered during some group sessions.

Some women may seek comfort in attending a group that is geared toward others who are going through a similar situation. For instance, a young, pregnant woman who does not have a partner may initially be scared when she discovers that she is pregnant. Being able to meet other young women may provide a single mom to be with the reassurance she needs to feel positive about the pregnancy and the baby that she will soon be caring for.

Some groups may offer extended or specialized sessions. Extended sessions may involve receiving support after a baby is born. Specialized sessions may focus on breastfeeding, colic, or another common topics that many women face soon after they give birth.