Prematurity - UAB Medicine

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Prematurity

A premature birth, or prematurity, is when a baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy. About 500,000 babies are born prematurely each year in the United States, or roughly one in eight. Babies who are born too early (preemies) weigh much less than full-term babies, and their organs may not have had time to develop fully.

After birth, premature babies need advanced medical care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Prematurity is a risk factor for developmental conditions. Women at risk of having a premature birth must receive more frequent obstetric care.

Why choose UAB Medicine

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers complete health care for women, provided by physicians and nurses who are dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care. Our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, so you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available.

As part of the UAB Division of Women’s Reproductive Healthcare, our program provides services ranging from complete obstetric care to the medical and surgical treatment of complex gynecological problems. UAB Medicine is an academic medical center that conducts clinical research trials, so patients may have access to promising new treatments not available elsewhere. Our physicians are always here for you, from your first routine gynecologic exam and delivering your baby to helping guide you through menopause.

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists at the UAB Women & Infants Center are available on site 24/7 to manage problems with high-risk pregnancies. Our physicians are experts at managing multiple births and premature delivery, as well as conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. For mothers who’ve had a premature birth before, our advanced treatments can reduce their chance of having another one by as much as 50%.

UAB provides the latest MFM care, including first-trimester diagnosis, genetic testing and counseling, and 4D-ultrasound and fetal imaging. All of our MFM specialists are board-certified, and our team also includes certified genetics specialists. Our MFM program is among the most advanced in the nation, and we are one of only 14 hospitals that participates in the national Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network for high-risk pregnancy research.

Care Providers

Ambal Ambalavanan, MD Neonatology, Pediatrics

Ashley Battarbee, MD Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Allison Black, MD Neonatology, Pediatrics

Brian Brocato, DO Maternal and Fetal Medicine

Waldemar Carlo, MD Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatrics

Carl Coghill, III, MD Neonatology, Pediatrics

Sheri Jenkins, MD Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Charitharth Lal, MD Neonatology, Pediatrics

Joe Philips, III, MD Neonatology, Pediatrics

Brian Sims, MD Neonatology, Pediatrics

Akila Subramaniam, MD Maternal and Fetal Medicine

Alan Tita, MD, PhD Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Carolyn Webster, MD Maternal and Fetal Medicine

Luisa Wetta, MD Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Lindy Winter, MD Neonatology, Pediatrics

Videos

Meet the Team: Brian Brocato, DO

Dr. Brocato is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist with an interest in preterm delivery, diabetes, and using ultrasound technology to diagnose conditions and evaluate patients for various procedures.

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Meet the Team: Chase Cawyer, MD, MBA

Dr. Cawyer’s goal is to give patients accurate information in a caring manner, to help them better understand and cope with any anxiety and fear during pregnancy.

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