Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) in Al Ain

Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) in Al Ain is managed through advanced hemodynamic surveillance at Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital. Our subspecialists use high-resolution Doppler studies (umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and ductus venosus) to precisely time the delivery of small or growth-restricted babies.

Who This Page is For

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

Pregnant Patient

Mothers carrying a baby whose growth has slowed down or fallen below the 10th percentile.

Referring Doctor

Obstetricians referring for lag in symphysis-fundal height, estimated fetal weight (EFW) < 10th centile, or abnormal Dopplers.

Abnormal Screening

Patients with suspected early-onset or late-onset placental insufficiency.

Second Opinion

Parents wanting an expert, second-opinion assessment of fetal growth velocity and amniotic fluid volume.

When to see MFM

Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW) or Abdominal Circumference (AC) < 10th percentile.
Growth velocity showing a significant drop across centiles over serial scans.
Abnormal umbilical artery Doppler or uterine artery Doppler resistance.
Maternal history of severe pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, or FGR in a prior pregnancy.

What we do

Precision growth scans using customized fetal growth charts.
Detailed Doppler hemodynamic profiling (Umbilical Artery, Middle Cerebral Artery, Ductus Venosus).
Evaluation of amniotic fluid index (AFI) and fetal biophysical profile (BPP).
Computerized Cardiotocography (cCTG) to assess short-term fetal heart rate variability.

What happens during the visit

1

Thorough ultrasound assessment of fetal growth and multiple Doppler blood flows.

2

Calculation of risk and classification of FGR (Stage I to IV).

3

Creation of a customized surveillance schedule (ranging from weekly scans to daily checks).

4

Structured multidisciplinary delivery planning, optimizing steroid administration.

When urgent referral is needed

  • Reduced or absent fetal movements.
  • Vaginal bleeding or leakage of amniotic fluid.
  • Severe headaches, visual disturbances, or upper abdominal pain in the mother (signs of pre-eclampsia).

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

Strict adherence to international ISUOG and Delphi guidelines for FGR staging.
Use of computerized CTG (cCTG) for precise assessment of fetal oxygenation (not available in standard clinics).
On-site Level III Neonatal ICU (NICU) with experienced neonatologists to care for premature infants.
Close collaborative care co-managed with maternal medicine specialists.

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.

FGR is a condition where a baby does not reach its genetically determined growth potential, usually due to placental dysfunction.

Small for Gestational Age (SGA) means the baby is small but healthy. FGR means the baby is small and shows signs of stress or poor placental blood flow.

We perform regular ultrasound scans to check growth, and use specialized Doppler tests to measure blood flow to the baby’s brain, liver, and placenta.

There is no cure for placental insufficiency. The primary treatment is close monitoring and delivering the baby when the risks of staying in the womb outweigh the risks of early birth.

Not necessarily. While many babies with FGR are delivered via C-section due to reduced tolerance for labor, vaginal birth is possible in mild cases under close monitoring.

Monitoring intervals depend on the severity of the FGR, ranging from every two weeks in mild cases to daily Doppler scans in severe cases.

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