Prenatal Screening & Diagnostic Ultrasound
Precision imaging. Clinical interpretation. Not just a scan.
Request AppointmentOverview
Prenatal ultrasound in the hands of an MFM subspecialist is a clinical examination — not a radiologic procedure. Every scan at this Unit is performed or directly supervised by a fellowship-trained specialist who integrates imaging findings with your history, gestational context, and screening data in real time.
Missing these critical windows is a failure of care. We ensure all patients are seen within the optimal timeframes for screening.
What We Offer
First Trimester Screening (11–14 Weeks)
Dating, viability, and Nuchal translucency measurement. Combined first-trimester screening for trisomy 21, 18, and 13. First-trimester pre-eclampsia screening using the FMF algorithm.
Second Trimester Anomaly Scan (18–22 Weeks)
Definitive structural survey including comprehensive anatomical assessment per ISUOG guidelines. Dedicated fetal echocardiography.
What to Expect
A high-definition ultrasound examination performed by a subspecialist. Findings are discussed with you immediately during the session, with a full clinical report generated upon completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the combined first-trimester screening and NIPT?
Combined first-trimester screening (11–14 weeks) uses an ultrasound measurement of nuchal translucency together with blood markers to estimate the risk of trisomy 21, 18 and 13. NIPT is a blood test that analyses fetal DNA in the mother's blood and is more accurate for the common trisomies, but it is a screening test, not a diagnosis. We advise on which pathway fits your history and risk profile.
When should each scan be done, and why do the dates matter so much?
The nuchal translucency and combined screening must be done between 11 and 14 weeks, and the detailed anomaly scan between 18 and 22 weeks. These windows are not flexible — the measurements and structural views are only reliable within them. Missing them is a genuine gap in care, so we prioritise seeing patients within the optimal timeframes.
What does the second-trimester anomaly scan actually check?
It is a definitive structural survey of the baby performed to ISUOG guidelines, examining the brain, face, spine, heart, abdomen, kidneys, limbs and placenta. It includes dedicated fetal echocardiography (a detailed look at the heart). The aim is to detect structural abnormalities early enough to plan care, further testing or in-utero treatment where appropriate.
Is a scan here different from an ultrasound at a general radiology centre?
Yes. Every scan is performed or directly supervised by a fellowship-trained maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist, not a general sonographer. Findings are interpreted in real time against your history, gestational age and screening results, and discussed with you during the same session rather than sent away as a report.
Can you screen for pre-eclampsia during pregnancy?
Yes. We perform first-trimester pre-eclampsia screening using the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) algorithm, which combines your history, blood pressure, uterine artery Doppler and blood markers. Identifying high-risk women early allows preventive treatment, such as low-dose aspirin, that meaningfully reduces the chance of early pre-eclampsia.
Do I need a referral for prenatal screening, and is it available in Al Ain?
You can book prenatal screening directly without a referral, and our services are available to patients across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. If another clinic has already performed a scan, you are welcome to bring the images and report for expert re-interpretation. Insurance coverage for routine screening is common but varies by plan, so please confirm details in advance.