Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit in Abu Dhabi
In brief:
The Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) Unit in Abu Dhabi is located at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital, where Dr. Leanne Bricker practises. The unit provides prenatal screening, detailed anomaly scans, invasive fetal diagnostics, and the advanced fetal therapy and surgery pathway, including TTTS laser treatment, for patients across the UAE.
Common questions about your care
Who provides fetal medicine care in Abu Dhabi?
Dr. Leanne Bricker, Consultant Maternal–Fetal Medicine, works with the maternal-fetal medicine team at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital. The team pages describe each doctor's clinical interests and current hospitals.
Where can I have a detailed fetal anatomy scan in Al Ain?
A detailed fetal anatomy scan is available through the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit at Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital in Al Ain. It is usually performed between 18 and 22 weeks; the responsible clinician confirms the appropriate timing.
Where are invasive tests and fetal therapies available?
Amniocentesis, Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), Fetal blood sampling / cordocentesis, Amniodrainage / amnioreduction are available in Al Ain when clinically indicated. Advanced fetal therapies are coordinated through Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi. The team confirms eligibility and the procedure location when arranging care.
What is the difference between an obstetrician and an MFM consultant?
An obstetrician provides pregnancy and birth care. A maternal-fetal medicine consultant has additional specialist training in maternal illness in pregnancy, fetal diagnosis and complex pregnancy complications. They work together to coordinate care when needed.
When might I need a fetal medicine specialist?
Your clinician may recommend review for an abnormal scan or screening result, a multiple pregnancy, a growth concern, maternal medical illness, or a diagnostic test. Ask your care team about appropriate timing. Acute symptoms require urgent clinical assessment.
Can I attend from another emirate?
Yes. Referrals from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and other emirates can be coordinated to Abu Dhabi or Al Ain. Confirm the hospital, clinician, preparation and any insurance approval with the team before travelling.
Why Choose Our Abu Dhabi Unit?
The Abu Dhabi unit combines subspecialist assessment with the hospital infrastructure required for advanced fetal therapy and surgery.
Full In-Utero Surgical Capacity
The primary reference facility in Abu Dhabi equipped for complex fetoscopic laser therapies and in-utero surgeries.
Integrated Maternal Care
Comprehensive pregnancy co-management with medical subspecialists for chronic maternal conditions.
Neonatal & Pediatric Collaboration
Direct multidisciplinary pathways with Level III NICU teams and pediatric surgeons to plan immediate postnatal care.
Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital
800 2000 (داخلي وحدة طب الجنين)
Clinic times vary by location and consultant. Please confirm when booking via 800 2000.
Enlarge schematic Al Ain and Abu Dhabi coordinate diagnosis, therapy and follow-up.
Simplified educational schematic; not to scale or for diagnosis.
Practical Access & Care Guidelines
Parking & Arrival
Complimentary valet parking is available at the main hospital entrance. The Maternal Fetal Medicine unit is located on the 1st Floor, Main Hospital Building, West Wing.
Appointment Preparation
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your slot for registration. A full bladder is generally not required for MFM scans, and fasting is not necessary unless blood tests are co-scheduled.
Family Policy
We welcome spouses or one family member to accompany you during fetal imaging. To ensure the specialist can perform highly detailed diagnostic scans, we kindly request not to bring young children.
Meet Our Abu Dhabi Specialists
Our Abu Dhabi team combines maternal–fetal medicine, advanced prenatal diagnosis and extensive fetal therapy experience.
Dr. Ali Al-Ibrahim
Head of Unit · Consultant Maternal–Fetal MedicineToronto fellowship training and more than 25 years of experience, bringing together fetal diagnosis, maternal medicine and coordinated care.
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Dr. Leanne Bricker
Consultant Maternal–Fetal MedicineExtensive experience in fetal therapy and complex multiple pregnancy, alongside international contributions to research and clinical guidance.
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Dr. Werner Diehl
Consultant Maternal–Fetal MedicineOur team’s most experienced fetal therapist, bringing broad expertise across fetal therapies, advanced fetal surgery and complex twin pregnancy.
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Dr. Soha Tohamy Said
Consultant Maternal–Fetal Medicine & Obstetrics and GynecologyMore than 28 years of clinical and leadership experience, with particular interests in maternal health and prevention of preterm birth.
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Dr. Gareth James Waring
Consultant Maternal–Fetal MedicineExtensive fetal therapy and surgery experience, alongside expertise in fetal heart conditions and prevention of preterm birth.
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Dr. Bernard Nasr
Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology · Fetal MedicineTraining in France and Spain, with clinical interests in fetal therapy, growth problems and complex twin pregnancy.
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Dr. Marija Hadji Lega
Specialist Maternal–Fetal Medicine · Associate ProfessorMore than 25 years of clinical experience, combining advanced fetal imaging with academic teaching and clinical leadership.
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Dedicated Abu Dhabi Clinical Pathways
Explore our specialized clinical reference guides and patient pathways optimized for Abu Dhabi consultations.
Detailed Anomaly Scan Guide
View PathwayNIPT Screening Pathway
View PathwayAmniocentesis Diagnostic Guide
View PathwayChorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
View PathwayFetal Echocardiography Pathway
View PathwayFetal Growth Restriction (FGR)
View PathwayTwin & Multiple Pregnancy Care
View PathwayHigh-Risk Pregnancy Management
View PathwayPre-eclampsia Screening Pathway
View PathwayPlacenta Accreta Spectrum Care
View PathwayIn-Utero TTTS Laser Ablation
View PathwayAdvanced Fetal Therapy Hub
View PathwayCommon Reasons to Visit an MFM Specialist
Patients are referred to our clinic or choose to self-refer for various reasons, including maternal health conditions or concerns about fetal development.
Cross-Site Service Availability Matrix
Screening, diagnostic assessment, fetal echocardiography and fetal therapy counselling are available in both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. TTTS laser, FETO and complex fetal therapy are performed in Abu Dhabi.
| Clinical Service | Abu Dhabi (Airport Road) | Al Ain (Al Jowhara) |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester screening | Available | Available |
| Detailed anatomy scan | Available | Available |
| Fetal growth & Doppler surveillance | Available | Available |
| Twin pregnancy surveillance | Available | Available |
| Amniocentesis | Available | Available from 15 completed weeks |
| CVS | Available | Available from 10 completed weeks |
| Cordocentesis / fetal blood sampling | Available when clinically indicated | Available when clinically indicated |
| Amniodrainage / amnioreduction | Available when clinically indicated | Available when clinically indicated |
| Fetal echocardiography | Available | Available |
| Fetal therapy counselling | Available | Available |
| TTTS laser | Abu Dhabi Hub | Referral pathway |
| FETO | Abu Dhabi Hub | Referral pathway |
| Complex fetal therapy | Abu Dhabi Hub | Referral pathway |
Detailed Services Available
Preconception Care
Medical evaluation and health optimisation of maternal health before conception to reduce complications.
Service DetailsPrenatal Screening & Diagnostic Ultrasound
Specialist ultrasound assessment and screening to help clarify fetal development and pregnancy risks.
Service DetailsFetal Testing & In-Utero Treatment
Advanced invasive procedures and life-saving therapeutic interventions performed while the baby is still in the womb.
Service DetailsHigh-Risk Maternal Medicine
Expert management of complex maternal conditions where pregnancy and medical health interact bidirectionally.
Service DetailsClinical Genetics
Comprehensive counseling and prenatal genetic services to help families navigate risk with clarity and evidence.
Service DetailsFetal Surgery
The highest tier of fetal therapy, performing complex surgery in-utero for specific life-threatening fetal conditions.
Service DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
Find direct answers to the most common questions regarding appointments, referrals, and MFM care in Abu Dhabi.
You can request an appointment directly through our online Patient Self-Referral Portal by clicking "Book Appointment", or by calling Mediclinic’s central helpline at 800 2000. Mention any referral or previous reports in your request. The form does not accept uploads; our team can explain how to share reports.
No, a formal referral is not strictly required. We welcome self-referrals from expectant mothers who desire expert second opinions, detailed screening, or advanced diagnostic tests. However, we maintain close communication with your primary obstetrician to coordinate your ongoing care.
Please bring your Emirates ID, active health insurance card, and all medical records from your current pregnancy, including previous ultrasound reports, NIPT results, blood tests, and maternity health book.
Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital houses the primary surgical hub of the MFM Unit. It is one of the very few centers in the Middle East fully equipped to perform complex in-utero interventions, such as fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), fetal blood transfusions, and vesico-amniotic shunts.
Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital accepts a wide range of national and international health insurance networks. Since MFM evaluations are highly specialized, please check with our billing desk or your insurance provider to confirm coverage and whether pre-authorization is required for specific diagnostic procedures like amniocentesis or CVS.
Comprehensive Maternal & Fetal Care in Abu Dhabi
Our team of leading subspecialists is available to support you, providing evidence-based precision care throughout your pregnancy.