Pregnancy Care
Growing a tiny human can be a bit overwhelming, whether it's your first time or your fifth. At Alabama Birth Center, our dedicated professionals guide you through prenatal care, equipping you with the confidence to carry and deliver your baby safely.
What to expect at your prenatal consultation
At a prenatal consultation at Alabama Birth Center, you can expect a comprehensive and welcoming experience. After your consultation, our team will make the decision if you are an eligible candidate.
Meet the Team
You'll meet with our skilled midwife and nurse, who will be your primary caregivers throughout your pregnancy.
Midwifery vs. OB Care
We'll discuss what midwifery care looks like compared to OB care, highlighting the personalized, family-centered approach we take.
Tour the Facility
You'll take a guided tour of our beautiful facility to get familiar with the environment and see where your care will take place.
Question Time
There will be ample time for you to ask any questions you have about your care, the birth process, or anything else on your mind.
Paperwork and FAQs
We'll go over the necessary paperwork and address frequently asked questions to ensure you have all the information you need.
Ideal Candidate
We'll discuss what an ideal candidate for our birth center looks like, focusing on low-risk pregnancies to ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and baby.
Prenatal Care Schedule at Alabama Birth Center
Typically, you’ll see your midwifery team every four weeks from your first prenatal appointment to 28. From weeks 28 to 36, your visits will be every two weeks, and after 36 weeks until your baby is born, you’ll have weekly appointments.
During your appointment, you’ll have plenty of time to ask any questions you may have. We don't rush our clients through visits, and we aim to alleviate any fears or concerns you might have. We’ll guide you on optimizing your food and lifestyle choices to benefit you and your baby. Any lab work that needs to be done is conveniently available at Alabama Birth Center.
At your first prenatal appointment with a midwife at Alabama Birth Center, you can expect:
Calculation of your estimated due date
Verification that you’re taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid
Review of any medications you are currently taking
Comprehensive physical examination
Monitoring of your weight
Measurement of your blood pressure
Testing of a urine sample for signs of infection
Answers to any questions you may have
Necessary lab tests performed in our state-of-the-art in-house lab
Our midwives are dedicated to providing thorough and compassionate care, ensuring you and your baby are well-supported throughout your pregnancy journey.
Future Visits at Alabama Birth Center
During every visit after the first, expect to spend about 60 minutes with your midwife team. Come prepared to discuss your hopes, expectations, and any fears you have about pregnancy and birth. It’s helpful to write down your questions as they come to you and bring that list with you.
The Alabama Birth Center team will also:
Weigh You
Check your hands, feet, and face for swelling
Check your blood pressure
Listen for the baby’s heartbeat
Measure your belly to monitor the baby’s growth
Feel your abdomen to assess the baby’s position (later in pregnancy)
If necessary, your midwife will refer you for any needed tests, such as blood tests or ultrasounds.
Referrals to other health care professionals
Alabama Birth Center partners with various healthcare and birth professionals to ensure your pregnancy and birth experience is as comfortable as possible. Our partners include:
Chiropractors
Massage therapists
Lactation consultants
Placenta Encapsulations
We offer childbirth classes and can connect you with pregnancy-friendly exercise classes, such as yoga. We also can recommend pregnancy and birth photographers to help you document your journey.