Fetal Anemia & Intrauterine Transfusion (IUT) in the UAE
Fetal anemia in the UAE—most commonly caused by red-cell alloimmunisation (Rh disease) or Parvovirus B19—is diagnosed via Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) Doppler ultrasound. At Mediclinic MFM Units (Abu Dhabi & Al Ain Hubs), our specialists manage fetal anemia through precise ultrasound monitoring and perform life-saving Intrauterine Blood Transfusions (IUT) under direct ultrasound guidance.
Who This Page is For
Customized clinical pathways and insights to support our patients and referring medical partners.
Pregnant Patient
Mothers with Rh-negative blood type and positive antibody screens, or those with suspected fetal viral infection.
Referring Doctor
Obstetricians referring cases with raised MCA Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) Dopplers or hydrops for fetal blood sampling and transfusion.
Abnormal Screening
Mothers seeking confirmation of maternal antibody titles and fetal hemodynamic assessment.
Second Opinion
Parents wanting to discuss the procedure safety, success rates, and management protocols for hemolytic disease.
When to see MFM
What we do
What happens during the visit
Specialized Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow velocity in the fetal brain.
Detailed explanation of the cordocentesis and transfusion procedure, including safety measures.
Performing the IUT under continuous ultrasound guidance in a sterile operating room.
Post-procedure monitoring of fetal heart rate and scheduling follow-up Doppler scans.
When urgent referral is needed
- Fetal anemia with signs of early hydrops (fluid in abdomen, around heart, or skin swelling) requires immediate transfusion.
- Unusual maternal cramping, bleeding, or fluid leakage.
Where the service is available
Available across Mediclinic MFM hubs in Abu Dhabi (Airport Road Hospital) and Al Ain (Al Jowhara Hospital), with referral pathways coordinating care for patients nationwide.
Why Fetus.ae / Mediclinic MFM
Specialists Available
Fellowship-trained, internationally recognized consultants offering evidence-based precision care.
Dr. Ali Al-Ibrahim
Head of Unit, Consultant Maternal Fetal MedicineConsultant in Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi with more than 25 years of experience, University of Toronto fellowship training, and Arab and Saudi Board certification in OBGYN.
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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. Najwa Mohamed El Fky
Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine SpecialistConsultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist with extensive experience in high-risk obstetrics, prenatal diagnosis, and obstetric ultrasound.
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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.
View Full ProfileFrequently Asked Questions
Clinical answers directly from our specialists to help prepare you for your appointment.
Fetal anemia is a condition where the fetus does not have enough healthy red blood cells, reducing oxygen delivery to their organs.
It is diagnosed non-invasively using Doppler ultrasound to measure the velocity of blood flow in the fetal Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA). Fast blood flow indicates anemia.
An IUT is a procedure where donor blood is injected directly into the umbilical cord or fetal abdomen to treat fetal anemia while the baby is in the womb.
It occurs when an Rh-negative mother is exposed to Rh-positive fetal red blood cells, producing antibodies that cross the placenta and destroy fetal red cells.
While it is a highly specialized procedure with a small risk of complication (about 1-2% risk of miscarriage or premature labor), it is a life-saving treatment with high success rates.
Getting Here & Access
Our two hubs cover the country: Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi and Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital in Al Ain. Patients from Dubai (about 60–75 minutes on the E11), Sharjah, Ajman and the Northern Emirates typically attend the Abu Dhabi hub, while Al Ain and Eastern Region families are seen locally. Referrals are coordinated so travel is minimised and, wherever possible, imaging, counselling and any procedure are grouped into as few visits as possible.
Insurance & Coverage
Across both hubs we work with major UAE insurers including Daman (Thiqa and Enhanced), ADNIC, Nextcare, NAS and other networks. Coverage and pre-authorisation vary by plan and emirate, so our team confirms eligibility and arranges approvals before you travel. Self-pay packages are available nationwide.
Areas We Serve
Book a Clinical Consultation
Our Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists provide evidence-based assessment, clear counselling, and coordinated care.