How to Choose a Licensed Midwife in Saudi Arabia

Introduction to Midwifery Care in Saudi Arabia

Women's healthcare in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant development in line with Vision 2030, focusing on providing safe, comprehensive, and personalized options for mothers during pregnancy and birth. Among these options, the role of the licensed midwife has emerged as a cornerstone of continuous clinical support. However, many expectant mothers confuse the clinical role of a licensed midwife with the non-medical support provided by a doula. This guide outlines the professional standards, regulations, and steps to choose a licensed midwife in Saudi Arabia to ensure a safe and healthy birth experience.

Midwife vs. Nurse vs. Doula: Understanding the Differences

It is crucial to understand the distinct roles of birth support professionals to ensure you receive the appropriate level of care. A licensed midwife is a clinically trained healthcare professional, whereas obstetric nurses and doulas have different scopes of practice, as detailed in the table below:

Professional Classification by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS)

The practice of midwifery in Saudi Arabia is strictly regulated by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). The Commission officially publishes the "Scope of Practice for Nursing and Midwifery" to ensure all practitioners adhere to the highest standards of medical safety. No individual is permitted to practice midwifery or offer a midwife consultation without an active and valid professional classification and registration.

How to Verify a Midwife's License in Saudi Arabia

To protect your safety and that of your baby, you can verify a midwife's credentials through these steps: First, ask the midwife to present their professional classification card issued by the SCFHS. Second, use the "Mumaris Plus" portal provided by the SCFHS to verify the practitioner's active status using their registration or national ID number. Third, ensure that the healthcare facility where the midwife practices is fully licensed and accredited to offer midwifery services.

Midwifery Services and Approved Scope of Clinical Practice

A licensed midwife provides a wide range of clinical services to support mothers throughout their pregnancy journey, including: conducting routine clinical check-ups during pregnancy care, monitoring fetal growth and maternal vital signs, managing low-risk natural deliveries, and providing comprehensive postpartum care, including breastfeeding support and newborn care. However, it is important to note that the final delivery method decision depends entirely on the clinical assessment of the medical team to ensure maternal and fetal safety.

Red Flags Requiring Immediate Medical Referral

While midwives are highly competent in managing low-risk births, certain clinical scenarios require immediate intervention by an obstetrician or urgent transfer to emergency care. These red flags include: abnormal vaginal bleeding, a sudden and severe rise in blood pressure, a significant decrease in fetal movement, signs of preeclampsia (such as severe headaches or visual disturbances), or acute complications during labor such as umbilical cord prolapse or fetal distress. In these events, the midwife must execute an immediate medical escalation plan.

Essential Questions to Ask Before Booking a Midwife

When planning to work with a midwife, it is highly recommended to ask the following questions to ensure seamless coordination: What are your academic qualifications, and is your SCFHS license active? How many years of experience do you have in managing low-risk natural births? Which hospital or medical facility are you affiliated with for deliveries? What is your medical escalation plan in case of unexpected complications? Does my health insurance cover midwifery services at this facility? Asking these questions helps guarantee a safe, supportive, and legally compliant birth experience.