Sarasota Memorial Hospital Creates Pregnancy Care Team to Support Prenatal Care

The first trimester is a crucial time in a woman’s pregnancy, when obstetricians monitor fetal development, manage potential risks and help ensure a safe, healthy delivery. A shortage of obstetricians, however, is making starting prenatal care early a challenge for women here and across the nation.

To close the gaps in care, Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s newly created Pregnancy Care Team is reaching out to pregnant women and community partners to help them access prenatal and maternity care they need. Leading the team are three experienced labor and delivery/postpartum nurses who serve as O.B. navigators, providing free guidance and a broad range of services and support that women may need throughout their pregnancy.

“We recognize the challenges that many families face during pregnancy, particularly those experiencing high-risk conditions,” said Abby Olsen, director of women and children’s services at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. “Our Pregnancy Care Team and O.B. Nurse Navigators are here to support parents-to-be and provide the guidance and resources they need for a safe, healthy pregnancy.”

While Sarasota Memorial is serving as the backbone for essential care, the Pregnancy Care Team and O.B. navigators are working with the Florida Department of Health-Sarasota County, CenterPlace Health, and other providers to increase access to essential care. The program also receives support, referrals, and assistance from Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, First 1,000 Days Suncoast, Florida Blue Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and other nonprofit community organizations working collaboratively to increase access to maternal-fetal care in Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties.

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