Fetal Heart Defect Care & Echocardiography in the UAE
Fetal heart defects in the UAE are evaluated using advanced, high-resolution fetal echocardiography at the Mediclinic MFM Units (Abu Dhabi & Al Ain Hubs) Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit. Our subspecialists perform detailed structural cardiac mapping, monitor hemodynamic function, and coordinate planned deliveries and postnatal pediatric cardiac care.
Who This Page is For
Customized clinical pathways and insights to support our patients and referring medical partners.
Pregnant Patient
Mothers whose scans show potential structural abnormalities in the baby’s heart (4-chamber view concern).
Referring Doctor
Obstetricians referring cases with suspected congenital heart disease (CHD) or fetal arrhythmia for specialist evaluation.
Abnormal Screening
Mothers with a history of prior children with congenital heart defects, or maternal pre-pregnancy diabetes.
Second Opinion
Parents seeking a detailed cardiac scan and counseling regarding pediatric surgical outcomes and delivery planning.
When to see MFM
What we do
What happens during the visit
A specialized ultrasound scan (lasting 45 to 60 minutes) focusing entirely on the fetal heart.
Detailed graphical representation and explanation of the cardiac anatomy to the parents.
Offering genetic diagnostic testing (amniocentesis) as CHD is often associated with chromosomal abnormalities.
Establishing a structured delivery plan at a hospital equipped with pediatric cardiology services.
When urgent referral is needed
- Fetal arrhythmias (extremely fast heart rate >180 bpm or slow heart rate <100 bpm) require urgent evaluation.
- Heart defects accompanied by signs of fetal hydrops (fluid accumulation).
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.
A fetal heart defect is a structural problem in the baby’s heart that develops during early pregnancy, affecting the walls, valves, or blood vessels.
It is a highly specialized ultrasound scan designed to evaluate the structure, function, and rhythm of the fetal heart in detail.
While most defects are treated surgically after birth, certain conditions (like severe arrhythmias or critical aortic stenosis) may benefit from maternal medications or fetal intervention.
Survival rates have improved significantly due to early prenatal detection and advanced pediatric cardiac surgery, with over 85% of babies with CHD reaching adulthood.
Yes. Since heart defects are sometimes linked to genetic syndromes (like DiGeorge syndrome or Down syndrome), amniocentesis with microarray is highly recommended.
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
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Our Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists provide evidence-based assessment, clear counselling, and coordinated care.