An innovative prenatal group care model pilot tested in Puerto Rico succeeded in reducing the rate of premature births by more than half during its first year of operation. Thanks to the support of Triple-S, the March of Dimes was able to launch Aurora, an innovative model of prenatal group care. This model, developed by March of Dimes and implemented at Hospital UPR Dr. Federico Trilla, achieved remarkable success in significantly reducing the rate of these high-risk deliveries. “In light of the high rate of premature births in Puerto Rico and the need to address social determinants of health in the population, Triple-S supported this pilot project to help improve maternal and child health in Puerto Rico,” said Dr. José Novoa, Chief Medical Officer of Triple-S.
Aurora offered a comprehensive approach for the care of expectant mothers, providing education and support and leading to better outcomes for babies and their families. This prenatal group care model, a strategy highly recommended by March of Dimes, improves maternal and child health and transforms the culture of individual prenatal care into a group-based approach. “Group prenatal care is a highly recommended strategy by March of Dimes to help improve maternal and child health. This model is changing the culture of prenatal care from being exclusively individual to providing a group option where a sense of community is established between pregnant women and health care professionals. The mutual support between expectant mothers is another factor that contributes to their well-being. Sharing their experiences, hopes, and concerns helps them gain confidence and feel empowered to ask the necessary questions and take appropriate measures to minimize the risk factors that can lead to premature birth and other unwanted situations,” said Alma Seda, Executive Director of March of Dimes.
The preterm birth at the hospital rate dropped among the program participants, from 13.5% to 5.8% –a reduction of 57%, or 1 in 18 babies. This is especially significant since that Puerto Rico has one of the highest rates of premature births in the United States, with its latest increase in 2024 to 12.2%. Additionally, 95% of these babies were born at a healthy weight of more than 5 pounds, 8 ounces.
Launched in November 2022, the Aurora Program involved the participation of 118 women organized into 20 groups, each with a maximum of 10 participants. These women attended 14 consecutive sessions conducted by two facilitators. At every session, the participants were examined by their physician and received instructional training on topics that contribute to their health and their baby’s health, including nutrition, rights and responsibilities during pregnancy, dental care, postpartum care, pediatric care, and mental health during pregnancy, among others. Another benefit of the program was the development of support groups among participants, fostering a sense of community and well-being.
Premature birth is a serious problem that impacts many newborns and their families. Babies born prior to the 37th week of gestation may face a number of health challenges. These babies are more likely to have breathing problems, difficulty feeding, and a higher risk of long-term complications. Furthermore, the emotional impact on parents and family can be significant as they deal with uncertainty and stress.
