Expecting? Don’t Settle for One-Size-Fits-All Maternity Care

Pregnancy is one of the most personal journeys a person can experience – and no two experiences are exactly alike. That’s why having options for prenatal and obstetric (OB) care is so important.

When you put your trust in our maternity care team at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health, that’s exactly what you’ll find – options.

“Because pregnancy isn’t one-size-fits-all, we offer five different approaches to maternity care – which gives you the opportunity to choose the OB care pathway that fits your pregnancy’s needs, your personal preferences and your lifestyle,” says obstetrician Amanda Flicker, MD, Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LVHN.

Whatever pathway you choose, we are here to help your journey to parenthood feel both supported and uniquely your own.

For many patients, a traditional care model provides reassurance and familiarity. This pathway includes regular in-person visits with a clinician, support from a registered nurse and access to prenatal education resources such as webinars.

This approach to maternity care is ideal for those who value face-to-face interaction and want a structured, well-established care routine. It’s the model that has supported generations of families – and continues to be a dependable choice for comprehensive prenatal care.

For busy moms-to-be, flexibility can make all the difference. That’s where LVHN’s virtual prenatal care pathway shines. Available to women experiencing healthy pregnancies during their third trimester, this pathway blends traditional OB care with modern technology, allowing you to complete half of your visits from the comfort of your home, work or wherever else you may need to be. 

Here’s how it works: After receiving traditional OB care during your first and second trimesters of pregnancy, you’ll transition to a hybrid model of care for your third trimester where you’ll alternate between virtual and in-person visits. You’ll be provided (and trained to use) equipment for use during your virtual visits that will promote remote monitoring of important health metrics like your blood pressure, your weight and your baby’s heart rate.

When you choose virtual prenatal care, you’ll receive the same level of clinical oversight as our traditional OB care pathway, while enjoying the perks of reduced travel time and increased convenience – which may be especially valuable to you if you’re balancing work, family and other life commitments, or facing a barrier to care such as lack of childcare or access to transportation.

If you’re seeking a more individualized and wellness-focused prenatal care experience, then you may be drawn to our midwifery care. Provided by certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), this pathway emphasizes a high-touch, low-intervention, personalized approach to maternity care that supports natural processes while maintaining safety.

Our midwives will guide you throughout your pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care, providing a more intimate and supportive approach to pregnancy and childbirth.

“I think a midwife's approach to all prenatal care is that we're going to try and keep you as healthy as you came into your pregnancy, or better,” says midwife Honi Trauger, CNM, LVPG Obstetrics and Midwifery–Tower Place. “The way that we are trained is really to approach pregnancy as if it's a normal life event, not a medical diagnosis. And that really frames the way that we look at our care and how we talk to people, how we work with our patients. It’s really what makes it different from the traditional OB care.”

If you thrive in collaborative environments and appreciate learning alongside others, CenteringPregnancy offers a unique and empowering experience.

An innovative group care model that combines clinical care with peer support, CenteringPregnancy brings you together with other women (and their support partners) at a similar stage of pregnancy as you for group prenatal appointments. During these appointments, you’ll have private time with a CNM for “belly checks” and then participate in facilitated group discussions. This model has been shown to reduce pregnancy-related complications while building a sense of community and shared learning.

“When you join CenteringPregnancy, you gain a community,” says midwife Christina Felten, CNM, DNP, with LVPG Obstetrics and Midwifery–Tower Place. “This is not just a quick office visit where you're in and you’re out. You’ll have that one-on-one time with your midwife where we’ll make sure you’re doing well and your pregnancy is going well, and address any individual concerns. But then you’ll return to the group for midwife-led, facilitative discussions and interactive activities that allow you to open up and ask questions in a supportive environment. What we’ve found is, when a group of women come together, they really are a great sounding board for each other and support system.”

Not all pregnancies follow a predictable path. For patients facing higher-risk conditions, specialized care is essential. LVHN’s high-risk OB care provides coordinated support between obstetricians and maternal fetal medicine specialists.

This team-based model ensures continuous communication and expert oversight, helping manage complex medical situations while keeping both you and your baby at the center of care.

If you are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, you’ll be guided into this pathway when clinical needs indicate, offering you peace of mind through expert, closely monitored care.

Whether you prefer the familiarity of traditional care, the convenience of virtual visits, the personal touch of midwifery, the connection of group care or the support of a specialized team, LVHN offers an OB care option that’s designed to meet you where you are.