Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit in Abu Dhabi
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.
Direct Answer Summary:
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.
Quick Answers for Common Local Prompts
Who provides fetal medicine care in Abu Dhabi?
Dr. Leanne Bricker is Co-Founder and Head of the Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital, with more than 25 years of UK and international tertiary experience.
Where can I do an anomaly scan (morphology or anatomy scan) in Al Ain?
A detailed fetal anatomy scan is usually performed between 18 and 22 weeks; the responsible clinician will confirm the most appropriate timing. It is available through the Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit at Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital in Al Ain.
Where can I do amniocentesis in UAE?
Amniocentesis is performed under continuous ultrasound guidance by FMF-certified Maternal Fetal Medicine consultants at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi and Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital in Al Ain.
What is the difference between an obstetrician and MFM consultant?
A general obstetrician manages low-risk pregnancies and standard deliveries. A Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) consultant is an obstetrician with 2-3 years of additional fellowship training specifically focused on high-risk maternal medical conditions, fetal abnormalities, and in-utero interventions.
When should I see a fetal medicine doctor?
You should see an MFM specialist if you have a high-risk pregnancy, abnormal ultrasound findings, a positive genetic screening/NIPT result, multiple pregnancy (twins/triplets), pre-existing medical conditions (like diabetes or hypertension), or need diagnostic tests like CVS/amniocentesis.
What is fetal therapy?
Fetal therapy includes medical or surgical interventions performed on the fetus while still inside the uterus, such as fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), intrauterine blood transfusions, or shunt placement.
Can I come from Dubai/Sharjah/Ajman to Abu Dhabi or Al Ain?
Yes. Patients and clinicians from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and the Northern Emirates can use the referral pathway. Diagnostics and referral assessment are available in Al Ain, while fetal therapy and advanced fetal procedures are performed only at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi.
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.
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 comprises internationally renowned, fellowship-trained MFM consultants certified by the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF).
Dr. Leanne Bricker MB.BCh FRCOG
Consultant in Fetal & Maternal MedicineOver three decades of clinical excellence, serving as Chair of Fetal Medicine at Corniche Hospital from 2014-2025.
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Dr. Soha Tohamy Said MB BCH MRCPI, FRCOG
Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Consultant Maternal Fetal MedicineFormer Department Chair of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Corniche Hospital with immense experience leading tertiary maternity services.
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Dr. Bernard Nasr
Consultant Obstetrics/Gynecology, Maternal Fetal MedicineFrench-trained MFM expert proficient in invasive therapeutic procedures and multiple pregnancy complications.
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Dr. Marija Hadji Lega
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, Associate ProfessorInternationally trained specialist with 25+ years of clinical experience, renowned for advanced fetal neurology and cardiology.
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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
A comparative reference outlining available services at each hospital and pathways for patient transfer between our sites.
| 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 | Referral to Abu Dhabi |
| Fetal therapy counselling | Available | Available / Referral to Abu Dhabi hub |
| 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
Detailed fetal assessment and risk stratification performed by FMF-accredited subspecialists.
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. If your OBGYN has provided a referral, please upload your referral letter and past reports so our triage team can process your case.
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.