Hydrops Fetalis Diagnosis & Care in the UAE
Hydrops Fetalis in the UAE is a serious fetal condition characterized by abnormal fluid accumulation in two or more fetal compartments (such as ascites, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, or skin edema). Managed at Mediclinic MFM Units (Abu Dhabi & Al Ain Hubs), our MFM specialists carry out rapid diagnostic investigations to differentiate immune from non-immune hydrops and coordinate targeted in-utero therapy.
Who This Page is For
Customized clinical pathways and insights to support our patients and referring medical partners.
Pregnant Patient
Mothers whose scans show fetal fluid accumulation in the abdomen, around the heart, lungs, or skin swelling.
Referring Doctor
Obstetricians referring cases of fetal hydrops for urgent etiology workup and therapeutic fetal intervention.
Abnormal Screening
Mothers needing specialized diagnostic tests (amniocentesis, fetal blood sampling) to determine the cause of fluid buildup.
Second Opinion
Parents seeking detailed counseling on prognosis, survival rates, and advanced management pathways.
When to see MFM
What we do
What happens during the visit
Urgent comprehensive fetal ultrasound mapping to establish fluid locations and cardiac function.
Direct consultation discussing potential causes (cardiac, genetic, infectious, hematologic).
Performing diagnostic testing (amniocentesis or fetal blood sampling) if consented.
Formulating a targeted treatment plan (e.g., IUT for anemia, maternal medications for arrhythmia, or shunt placement).
When urgent referral is needed
- Hydrops fetalis is a medical emergency. Refer immediately to our tertiary MFM unit upon detection.
- Maternal shortness of breath, severe swelling, or signs of mirror syndrome (maternal symptoms pre-eclampsia-like).
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.
Hydrops Fetalis is a serious, life-threatening condition where a fetus develops abnormal fluid accumulation in at least two different body cavities or tissues.
Immune hydrops is caused by maternal red-cell antibodies destroying fetal cells (Rh disease). Non-immune hydrops (90% of cases) is caused by other factors, such as heart defects, genetic disorders, infections, or twin complications.
Treatment depends on the cause: fetal blood transfusion for anemia, anti-arrhythmic medications for heart rate issues, or shunts to drain chest fluid.
Mirror syndrome is a rare, severe condition where the mother’s body "mirrors" the fetal illness, developing pre-eclampsia-like symptoms, fluid in the lungs, and severe swelling. It requires immediate delivery.
Prognosis depends on the gestational age and the underlying cause. Early prenatal detection and targeted fetal therapy have significantly improved survival 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
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Our Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists provide evidence-based assessment, clear counselling, and coordinated care.