UCSF Pregnancy Centering Program

When I had my son 8+ years ago UCSF didn’t have this program. When I found out I was pregnant in 2009 I called the Woman’s health clinic in serramonte to set up an appointment and was asked if I wanted to join this group. They said it was something new and they were the only hospital in the area doing this. I wasn’t really thrilled about it but my husband wanted to do it since this was his first child.
We signed up and were put in Susan Seger’s group on Wednesday mornings. I wasn’t sure if this would work out since on appointment days I would only be able to work half a day since meetings were from 9−11am, but my job was ok with it so off we went.
They give you a book for your pregnancy where you can track your weight and bp. You go in the appointment and they have snacks. You weight yourself and do your own bp and then write it down in your chart. It’s run by a midwife and she would see a few people before group started and then a few during break.
I actually ended up really liking the group environment. You go in once and month and talk about how your feeling, symptoms your experiencing, and how your baby is progressing. The midwife answers questions but also asks people for their opinions on things. Its nice being able to talk with other pregnant people about being pregnant and see how they are handling things. They teach you stretches that help with pregnancy related pains. They explain about all the different birthing options UCSF offers and pain management options for labor. They also explain about all of the classes UCSF offers as well. There is no stupid question there and they will answer anything you are wondering or concerned about.
Towards the end of pregnancy you start going twice a month.
This was definitely a different experience from having my son and just going to a dr visit and being checked, asked if I had any questions and being sent on my way. I don’t think I would do this again when I do have another child, but it was a nice experience and I think it’s a great thing if your having your first kid.
Susan was great and I would recommend her to anyone using the Woman’s clinic in daly city. She seemed to have a lot of experience. The only thing that kinda sucked is she isn’t able to be there for your birth unless you have your baby while she is on duty in L&D.

Group prenatal care led by midwives. If you have 2 hrs to spare one morning a month, you can join this program.
Participants are encouraged to take responsibility for their own health. You receive a binder with lots of prenatal info. You weigh yourself and take your blood pressure and add it to your chart. Healthy snacks are provided.
We took glucose and blood tests as needed, and were offered flu shots.
Each patient/​couple has a 5 – 7 minute individual consultation and exam each session. The baby’s heartbeat is checked, and you are measured for growth. You can bring up any concerns you have, and you may be asked if you’d like to raise them in the group.
During the group we discussed monthly topics such as birth control, labor, nutrition, stretches and exercise, getting in and out of chairs, etc. Other issues arose and we discussed them too.
As due dates approached, we met twice a month and then after the group ended, those who hadn’t given birth had appointments as neceesary. We had a reunion a month afterward to meet each others’ babies.
Crystal and Suzanne Seger were amazing leaders. I was nervous about not having an OB when people asked, but I got excellent care.