A new model of pre-natal care is coming to the area. The UK North Fork Valley Community Health Center is incorporating a program called "Centering Pregnancy."

It is a new take on traditional care for expecting mothers, and one woman in Hazard is excited to begin the program.

Charlotte Sandlin is a hair stylist in Hazard, and in five months, will be a new mom.

"I'm 32 and this is my first child, and I've waited a long time, and I'm really excited," Sandlin says.

Sandlin decided to join the the "Centering Pregnancy" program for her pre-natal care.

"I like to learn to be able to take care of myself when I am pregnant--the right things to do," she says.

Carrie Hall is a certified nurse midwife and nurse practitioner and says the new program is great for expecting mothers.

"It will actually increase a patients education during pregnancy and hopefully prepare them for labor and delivery," Hall says.

Hall says Kentucky ranks poorly in several aspects of pre-natal care and says the program focuses on the weaknesses.

"The goal is to help lower smoking cessation, decrease the rates of pre-term delivery, and decrease the rates of low birth weight," Hall says.

The women meet in groups with others due during the same month. Sandlin says that is a big reason she is participating.

"Being with other women that are as far along as I am, I think, is good support," she says.

The mom-to-be says she loves her job and plans to go back to work eventually after baby number one comes along.

Because the expecting moms in one group are all due during the same month, a new session starts each month.

For more information on "Centering Pregnancy" log on to www.centeringhealthcare.org.