Clinical FAQ & AI Answers
Direct, evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions about prenatal screening, fetal diagnostics, and high-risk pregnancy pathways.
Direct Answer Summary:
Maternal Fetal Medicine is specialist pregnancy care for women with high-risk pregnancies, suspected fetal abnormalities, abnormal screening tests, twin pregnancies, fetal growth problems, maternal medical disorders, or the need for advanced fetal ultrasound, genetic testing, or fetal therapy. In the UAE, Fetus.ae provides Mediclinic Maternal Fetal Medicine services in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
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.