Mobile Infirmary has launched a maternal-fetal medicine telemedicine clinic in partnership with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medicine, expanding local access to specialized care for women with high-risk pregnancies.

According to a news release, the clinic allows patients to consult with UAB maternal-fetal medicine physicians while continuing to receive care from their local obstetrics and gynecology providers. The service is designed to improve coordination between providers and make specialized consultations more accessible to patients across the region.

Maternal-fetal medicine is a specialty within obstetrics and gynecology focused on pregnancies involving elevated risks to the mother or developing baby. Specialists address concerns such as fetal growth, suspected abnormalities and maternal medical conditions that could complicate pregnancy. They also provide counseling for complex medical conditions affecting the mother or baby.

“Being able to provide this new maternal-fetal telemedicine service to Mobile Infirmary puts a spotlight on women’s healthcare and access to care for prenatal patients in our communities,” Susan Boudreau, president of Mobile Infirmary, said in the release. “We want women and their families to have the highest level of care when needed most and we want this service to be convenient for them. We connect our local clinic with UAB’s expertise, which offers better support for families across our region.”

The expansion comes as Alabama faces significant challenges in maternal and infant health, including high mortality rates and declining access to obstetric services, particularly specialized maternal-fetal medicine care.

Akila Subramaniam, M.D., M.P.H., a UAB maternal-fetal medicine physician and director of UAB’s Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, said the clinic will help address gaps in access through specialized consultations and imaging services.

“By providing innovative imaging solutions with real-time image review and consultation, we offer an additional level of care to support local patients and providers,” she said. “We are committed to providing high-quality care and expertise to better serve our patients.”

Mobile Infirmary also provides care for premature newborns through its Level II Special Care Nursery, which can accommodate babies born at 32 weeks gestation or later. Additional specialized services are available when newborns require a higher level of care.

The new clinic builds on an existing partnership between Infirmary Health and UAB Medicine. Since 2024, the organizations have worked together to expand cancer care services for patients in southern Alabama and neighboring Gulf Coast communities. The maternal-fetal medicine clinic extends that collaboration into women's health.

The clinic is located at 1720 Springhill Avenue, Suite 401, in Mobile. Referrals are required for appointments. For more information, call (251) 210-3250 or visit https://bit.ly/4A2FeV1.