Fetal Echocardiography in Al Ain

Fetal Echocardiography in Al Ain is a targeted, high-resolution ultrasound examination of the baby’s heart performed at Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital. It is indicated for families with histories of heart defects, maternal diabetes, abnormal routine scans, or suspected fetal arrhythmias.

Who This Page is For

Customized clinical pathways and insights to support our patients and referring medical partners.

Pregnant Patient

Expectant mothers requiring specialized, detailed evaluation of the baby’s heart structure and function.

Referring Doctor

Obstetricians and pediatric cardiologists requiring detailed diagnostic mapping of suspected congenital heart defects (CHD).

Abnormal Screening

Patients with abnormal cardiac findings on routine scans, such as a suspected ventricular septal defect or abnormal chamber size.

Second Opinion

Parents seeking definitive confirmation of fetal cardiac health and guidance from pediatric cardiology experts.

When to see MFM

Abnormal four-chamber or outflow tract views on a routine prenatal scan.
Pre-existing maternal diabetes or gestational diabetes requiring insulin.
Pregnancy achieved via IVF (associated with a slightly higher risk of heart defects).
Family history of congenital heart disease in parents or siblings.
Increased nuchal translucency (>3.5mm) detected in the first trimester.
Suspected fetal arrhythmia (abnormal heart rate or rhythm).

What we do

Detailed visualization of the fetal heart chambers, valves, and major blood vessels.
Evaluation of blood flow velocity and patterns using Color Doppler.
Assessment of the fetal heart rate, rhythm, and cardiac function.
Collaboration with pediatric cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons if a defect is found.

What happens during the visit

1

A comprehensive, dedicated cardiac scan lasting approximately 45 minutes.

2

Detailed explanation of the heart’s anatomy and any detected variations.

3

Development of a delivery plan coordinating pediatric cardiac care immediately after birth, if needed.

When urgent referral is needed

  • Suspected hydrops fetalis (fluid accumulation in multiple fetal compartments).
  • Persistent fetal tachycardia (>180 bpm) or bradycardia (<100 bpm) requiring medical management.

Where the service is available

Available at Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital in Al Ain. Certain complex procedures are referred to our Abu Dhabi hub, with local pre-op and post-op care in Al Ain.

Why Fetus.ae / Mediclinic MFM

Fellowship-trained MFM consultants certified in advanced fetal cardiac imaging.
On-site direct liaison with pediatric cardiology and neonatal surgery teams at Mediclinic.
State-of-the-art Voluson E10 and SWIFT ultrasound systems for superior resolution.
Comprehensive postnatal coordination, ensuring the baby is delivered in a facility with active pediatric cardiac support.
Surgical Referral to Abu Dhabi

Advanced fetal surgeries and detailed cardiac echoes are performed in our Abu Dhabi hub. Pre-op and post-op surveillance are conducted in Al Ain.

Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital

Appointments & Inquiries

800 2000

Clinical Working Hours

Clinic times vary by location and consultant. Please confirm when booking via 800 2000.

Specialists Available

Fellowship-trained, internationally recognized consultants offering evidence-based precision care.

Dr. Ali Al-Ibrahim

Dr. Ali Al-Ibrahim

Head of Unit, Consultant Maternal Fetal Medicine

Consultant 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. Najwa Mohamed El Fky

Dr. Najwa Mohamed El Fky

Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist with extensive experience in high-risk obstetrics, prenatal diagnosis, and obstetric ultrasound.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical answers directly from our specialists to help prepare you for your appointment.

It is a specialized, detailed ultrasound scan of the baby’s heart, looking at the structure, function, and rhythm of the cardiac chambers and vessels.

It is ideally performed between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation, although it can be conducted earlier or later depending on clinical indications.

A routine scan checks the basic structure of the baby’s heart, whereas a fetal echo uses advanced imaging to systematically inspect every vessel, valve, and flow pattern.

We work closely with pediatric cardiologists and neonatal surgeons to prepare a structured delivery and postnatal care plan, ensuring the baby receives immediate treatment.

No, it uses safe diagnostic ultrasound waves (sound waves, not radiation) and carries no risk to the mother or baby.

It detects the vast majority of major congenital heart defects, though some minor defects (like small holes) or changes in circulation after birth may not be visible prenatally.

Getting Here & Access

In Al Ain, we are based at Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital, a short drive from Al Jimi, Al Towiyya, Al Muwaiji, Al Mutaredh, Hili and Al Sarooj, with convenient parking. Al Ain families receive their scans, diagnostics and routine follow-up locally; the small number of highly specialised in-utero procedures are performed at our Abu Dhabi hub (about 90 minutes via the E22/Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road) with pre-operative and post-operative care kept close to home in Al Ain.

Insurance & Coverage

The Al Ain unit works with major UAE insurers including Daman (Thiqa and Enhanced), ADNIC, Nextcare, NAS and other networks. Because plans differ in coverage and pre-authorisation, our team verifies eligibility and secures approvals ahead of your visit. Self-pay options are available for those without applicable cover.

Areas We Serve

Al JimiAl TowiyyaAl MuwaijiAl MutaredhHiliAl SaroojAl KhabisiAl MaqamZakherAl Foah

Book a Clinical Consultation

Our Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists provide evidence-based assessment, clear counselling, and coordinated care.

Medical Content Reviewed by: Dr. Ali Al-Ibrahim (MFM Consultant)
Last updated: August 2026