Pre-eclampsia Screening & Prevention in the UAE

Pre-eclampsia screening in the UAE is performed during the first trimester (11–14 weeks) at Mediclinic MFM Units (Abu Dhabi & Al Ain Hubs). Using the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) triple test algorithm—combining maternal history, blood pressure, uterine artery Doppler, and PLGF biomarkers—we identify high-risk patients to initiate early preventative therapy.

Who This Page is For

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

Pregnant Patient

All pregnant patients in their first trimester (11 to 14 weeks) seeking to assess and reduce their risk of pre-eclampsia.

Referring Doctor

Obstetricians looking to implement standardized, early risk calculation and preventative aspirin therapy.

Abnormal Screening

Mothers with chronic hypertension, diabetes, or prior history of pre-eclampsia.

Second Opinion

Patients wanting a detailed discussion on blood pressure monitoring and preventative medication safety.

When to see MFM

Screening must be performed between 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days of pregnancy.
Mothers with risk factors: first pregnancy, chronic hypertension, pre-pregnancy diabetes, or kidney disease.
History of pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, or stillbirth in a prior pregnancy.
Pregnancies achieved through IVF.

What we do

Precise measurement of blood pressure in both arms to calculate Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP).
Uterine artery Doppler ultrasound to measure blood flow resistance in the maternal vessels.
Blood test to measure Placental Growth Factor (PLGF) biomarker levels.
FMF software risk calculation to identify high-risk patients (risk threshold 1 in 100).

What happens during the visit

1

An integrated clinical assessment including history, blood pressure, and ultrasound.

2

Maternal blood draw for biomarker analysis.

3

Generation of a combined risk report.

4

Immediate prescription of low-dose aspirin (150 mg nightly) before 14 weeks if identified as high-risk.

When urgent referral is needed

  • Severe, persistent headache or visual changes (flashing lights, blurriness).
  • Sudden, rapid swelling of the face, hands, or feet.
  • Severe pain in the upper abdomen (under the ribs).

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

Strict adherence to the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) international screening protocols.
Certified specialists accredited in first-trimester uterine artery Doppler measurements.
Centralized accredited pathology lab for precise and fast PLGF biomarker processing.
Effective prevention protocol, proven to reduce early-onset pre-eclampsia by up to 80%.

Mediclinic UAE Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit

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. Leanne Bricker MB.BCh FRCOG

Dr. Leanne Bricker MB.BCh FRCOG

Consultant in Fetal & Maternal Medicine

Over 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

Dr. Soha Tohamy Said MB BCH MRCPI, FRCOG

Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Consultant Maternal Fetal Medicine

Former Department Chair of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Corniche Hospital with immense experience leading tertiary maternity services.

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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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Dr. Bernard Nasr

Dr. Bernard Nasr

Consultant Obstetrics/Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine

French-trained MFM expert proficient in invasive therapeutic procedures and multiple pregnancy complications.

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Dr. Marija Hadji Lega

Dr. Marija Hadji Lega

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, Associate Professor

Internationally trained specialist with 25+ years of clinical experience, renowned for advanced fetal neurology and cardiology.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to organ systems, most often the kidneys, developing after 20 weeks.

Early screening before 14 weeks allows us to identify high-risk patients and start preventative aspirin therapy, which drastically reduces the risk.

It combines maternal history, measurement of blood pressure in both arms, uterine artery blood flow Doppler, and a blood test for PLGF.

Yes, low-dose aspirin (150 mg nightly) is highly safe for the baby and mother when started before 14 weeks under medical supervision.

While low-dose aspirin reduces the risk of early-onset pre-eclampsia by up to 80%, it does not eliminate it entirely, requiring close monitoring.

A low-risk result is highly reassuring, meaning you are unlikely to develop early-onset pre-eclampsia, though routine blood pressure checks will continue.

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

Abu DhabiDubaiSharjahAl AinAjmanRas Al KhaimahFujairahUmm Al QuwainWestern RegionEastern Region

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 Director)
Last updated: August 2026