Alabama

In Alabama, perinatal care is provided by a variety of healthcare professionals and institutions, including obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, certified nurse midwives, and primary care providers, among others.

Perinatal Providers

1. Physicians: Obstetricians (OB/GYNs) are primary providers for pregnancy care, including prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. They are trained to manage normal and high-risk pregnancies. Many OB/GYNs are available across Alabama, with larger concentrations in urban centers such as Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile. OB/GYNs with specialized training in high-risk pregnancies (Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists) offer advanced diagnostic and treatment services for women with complex health conditions, multiple pregnancies, fetal abnormalities, or other complications during pregnancy. Facilities such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital have Maternal-Fetal Medicine departments.

Some family medicine doctors provide prenatal and perinatal care, particularly in rural areas where access to OB/GYNs may be limited. They may provide care for low-risk pregnancies but refer higher-risk cases to specialists.
Pediatricians focus on the health of infants after birth, neonatologists are specialized pediatricians who care for newborns with complications, especially in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

1. Nurses and Midwives: Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) provide prenatal, labor, and postpartum care, particularly for women seeking a more natural birthing experience or desiring a low-risk pregnancy. They often work in collaboration with OB/GYNs and other healthcare providers. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) including Women's Health NPs or Family NPs who may provide prenatal and postpartum care under a collaborative agreement with physicians.

There are midwifery practices in various parts of the state, particularly in larger cities or more rural areas. Alabama has only allowed certified professional midwives (CPM) to perform births since 2019, although they are still excluded from participating in hospital births. Learn more.

1. Physician Assistants (PAs): May provide prenatal and postpartum care, often working in collaboration with obstetricians or family medicine doctors.

Other Perinatal Professionals

1. Doulas: Provide non-medical physical and emotional support during labor and postpartum. Often advocate for patient preferences in birthing settings.

1. Home Visitors: Programs like Alabama's Nurse-Family Partnership offer home visits by nurses or community health workers to support at-risk families during and after pregnancy.

1. Behavioral Health Professionals: Include counselors and psychologists specializing in perinatal mental health, such as managing postpartum depression or anxiety.

1. Lactation Consultants: Specialize in breastfeeding support and education. Provide guidance on nursing techniques and help resolve breastfeeding challenges.

1. Others: Social Workers and Case Managers: Offer support for navigating healthcare systems and addressing social determinants of health (e.g., housing, food security, mental health services). Dietitians and Nutritionists: Provide dietary guidance for healthy pregnancies and management of gestational diabetes or other nutritional concerns. Physical Therapists (PTs): Specialize in pelvic health, helping with pregnancy-related pain and postpartum recovery. Ultrasound Technicians (Sonographers): Perform prenatal ultrasounds to monitor the baby's development and assess maternal health.

Institutions: Hospitals and Organization

1. Hospitals and Medical Centers

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital: UAB is a major provider of perinatal care in Alabama, with a specialized maternal-fetal medicine department, high-risk pregnancy care, and a Level IV NICU.
Baptist Health: With hospitals in Montgomery and other locations, Baptist Health provides perinatal services, including labor and delivery, high-risk pregnancy management, and postpartum care.
Huntsville Hospital: This hospital offers a full range of perinatal services, including maternity care and neonatal care.
Mobile Infirmary: Provides comprehensive maternal care, including high-risk obstetrics and neonatal services.
Brookwood Baptist Health: Offers perinatal care, including childbirth education and delivery services.

1. Community Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics

In rural areas, community health centers and rural clinics may provide prenatal care, often in partnership with larger hospitals or health systems for specialized care.

1. Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)

The ADPH offers resources and support for pregnant women, including programs to promote healthy pregnancies, prenatal education, and referrals for medical care. They operate the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutrition support for low-income pregnant women and new mothers.

1. Non-profit organizations

According to Alabama State Law, those who are eligible for home birth include low-risk pregnancies carrying a single baby (not twins) in a head-down position (not breech at the time of labor) with no preexisting or current complications or history of cesarean birth (so no TOLAC/VBAC eligibility in this state).