Fetal Spina Bifida Assessment & Care in the UAE
Fetal spina bifida in the UAE is assessed by our MFM specialists at Mediclinic MFM Units (Abu Dhabi & Al Ain Hubs) using detailed ultrasound, genetic evaluation where appropriate, and multidisciplinary counselling. Postnatal repair remains an established pathway; selected cases may be referred to an appropriately governed specialist programme for prenatal-repair assessment.
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 neural tube defects (spina bifida, lemon/banana sign on head scan).
Referring Doctor
Obstetricians referring pregnancies with open neural tube defects for specialist assessment and surgical candidate evaluation.
Abnormal Screening
Mothers seeking confirmation and detailed anatomical mapping of the spinal defect.
Second Opinion
Parents wanting to discuss in-utero repair options, surgical eligibility, and long-term prognosis.
When to see MFM
What we do
What happens during the visit
Complete anatomical ultrasound mapping of the defect and fetal brain.
Discussion of treatment options: in-utero fetal surgery versus postnatal surgical repair.
Arranging multidisciplinary evaluation (MFM, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Genetics).
Coordinating referral to an appropriately governed specialist programme if prenatal-repair assessment is relevant.
When urgent referral is needed
- Time is critical: Candidates for in-utero fetal repair must be evaluated and undergo surgery before 26 weeks. Refer immediately upon suspicion.
- Rupture of membranes or vaginal bleeding.
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.
Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly during early pregnancy, leaving a section of the spinal cord exposed.
It is a specialized surgery performed during pregnancy (before 26 weeks) to close the spinal defect while the baby is still in the womb. This helps protect the spinal cord from damage by amniotic fluid.
Randomised evidence for open prenatal repair in selected cases shows lower shunt use and improved motor outcomes, alongside important maternal and prematurity risks. Fetoscopic techniques continue to evolve and results vary by centre and technique.
Risks include preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), uterine scarring, and maternal complications. Patients undergo rigorous screening for eligibility.
Taking 400 mcg of folic acid daily before conception and during early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%.
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
Book a Clinical Consultation
Our Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists provide evidence-based assessment, clear counselling, and coordinated care.