Maternal Fetal Institute

Maternal Fetal Institute

Advanced maternity care in Abu Dhabi for high-risk pregnancy, fetal medicine, prenatal diagnosis and maternal-fetal specialist care.

Maternity care in Abu Dhabi for routine pregnancies and complex cases that need maternal-fetal medicine specialist input. For pregnancies involving pre-existing maternal conditions, multiple babies, fetal growth restriction, congenital abnormalities or other high-risk factors, our team provides detailed ultrasound, fetal MRI, genetic testing, prenatal diagnosis, fetal therapy and fetal surgery planning as part of a coordinated pathway.

What separates high-risk pregnancy care at a quaternary hospital is what happens before and after delivery. For selected fetal conditions, in-utero intervention may be planned before birth. When a baby is born needing immediate neonatal intensive care, surgery or pediatric subspecialty support, those teams are already in the same building, prepared in advance through the same multidisciplinary planning that started during pregnancy.

> 65.000

antenatal Ultrasounds done annually and 200 invasive procedures in 2024

First Center in the region offering in utero spina bifida repair, first one done in 2023.

14

in-utero spina bifida repair done.

First center in the region offering fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) for CDH

Common Conditions & Subspecialty Clinics.

  • Cleft lip
  • cleft palate

  • Sacrococcygeal teratoma
  • neck masses

  • Non-immune hydrops
  • fetal immunologic diseases

  • Myelomeningocele / Spina bifida / Cephalocele

  • Duodenal atresia
  • Intestinal atresia 
  • Esophageal atresia 

  • Hydrothorax/Chylothorax
  • cystic adenomatoid malformation
  • hybrid lesions
  • pleural effusions
  • bronchopulmonary sequestration

  • Gastroschisis
  • omphalocele

  • Bladder outlet obstruction 
  • hydronephrosis

  • Monochorionic twin anomalies TTTS (laser therapy) 
  • selective IUGR (SIUGR) 
  • acardiac twin, discordant anomalies

  • Fetal brain malformations (Fetal Neurology Clinic)

  • Congenital heart disease (Fetal Cardiology Clinic)
  • fetal arrhythmias

  • Congenital obstruction of the airway

  • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Procedures & Treatments.

Amniocentesis for genetic and infectious analysis

Fetoscopy

Cordocentesis (Fetal Blood Sampling – FBS)

Fetal Biopsy

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Care Pathway & Coordination.

1
Patient-Centered Comfort & Support

Patient-Centered Comfort & Support

We provide holistic care that supports both medical and emotional well-being throughout every stage of a complex pregnancy.

2
24/7 Dedicated Care

24/7 Dedicated Care

Our facilities are operational around the clock to deliver prompt, compassionate support during emergencies.

3
Seamless Transportation Services

Seamless Transportation Services

Coordinated air and land transfers ensure safe, timely access to our center in Abu Dhabi.

4
Personalized Care Coordination

Personalized Care Coordination

Each family is guided by a dedicated nurse coordinator, supported by our Perinatal Psychology team to ensure both logistical and emotional assistance.

5
Comfortable Accommodation Program

Comfortable Accommodation Program

Extended-stay lodging for patients and companions offers a home-like experience with amenities such as internet, TV, and restful private spaces.

6
All-in-One Facility Access

All-in-One Facility Access

All maternal and fetal services are housed within a single institution-ensuring streamlined, convenient, and family-centered care.

Technology & Facilities.

Dedicated Clinics

Our high-risk and multiple pregnancy clinics specialize in managing complex maternal and fetal complications.

Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities

We utilize cutting-edge provide precise fetal assessments. From high-resolution ultrasound and fetal MRI to advanced genetic screening, our expert Prenatal Diagnosis ensures accurate personalized care planning.

Cutting-Edge In-Utero Procedures - Fetal Surgery and Therapy

We perform the most advanced fetal interventions available, treating conditions before birth to optimize outcomes for both mother and baby. Our specialized surgical team delivers life-saving procedures including spina bifida repair. twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome treatment, Hand complex cardiac interventions.

Integrated Multidisciplinary Excellence

Our collaborative team includes neonatal and pediatric subspecialists, offering complete mother-baby care from diagnosis to long-term follow-up. We integrate prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal expertise to address fetal abnormalities with clinical precision and research-driven care.

Our Experts.

Dr. Aruna Jyothi Chakali

Dr. Aruna Jyothi Chakali

Specialist Feto-Maternal Medicine and Gynecology
Dr. Mansi Shukla

Dr. Mansi Shukla

Specialist Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Mary John Madut Ucu

Dr. Mary John Madut Ucu

Specialist Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Mauricio Herrera

Dr. Mauricio Herrera

Specialist in Fetal and Maternal Medicine

Patient Stories.

A Healing Journey At Burjeel Cancer Institute

A Healing Journey At Burjeel Cancer Institute

Bassam

Multiple Myeloma

Frequently Asked Questions.

1. What is Fetal Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO)?

FETO is a minimally invasive surgical technique used for managing congenital diaphragmatic hernia. It involves the placement of a balloon in the fetal trachea to help inflate the lungs, promoting lung growth before birth.

2. What conditions can your Maternal & Fetal Therapy Program treat?

Our multidisciplinary team specializes in diagnosing and managing complex conditions such as congenital heart block, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, spina bifida, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, and other fetal anomalies requiring advanced interventions.

3. How are invasive diagnostic procedures performed?

Invasive diagnostic procedures in our program include techniques such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These are performed using ultrasound guidance to accurately obtain samples for testing genetic conditions, ensuring minimal risk to both mother and baby.

4. What type of prenatal imaging do you offer?

We provide high-resolution advanced fetal imaging tests, including detailed ultrasounds and fetal MRIs. These cutting-edge technologies allow for precise assessments of fetal health and development, aiding in the accurate diagnosis of potential complications.

5. Are your services available for international patients?

Yes, we welcome international inquiries and appointments. Our center serves complex fetal cases from across the UAE, GCC, MENA region, and India, providing comprehensive mother-baby care with a focus on advanced surgical and therapeutic interventions. For assistance, please contact our global patient services at

6. What services are offered in the Maternal & Fetal Therapy Program?

Our program offers a wide range of services, including maternal consultation, advanced diagnostic tests, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), first-trimester scans, high-resolution fetal imaging tests, and specialized fetal surgeries. We ensure comprehensive care for managing complex maternal and fetal complications.

7. How does your center ensure accurate and personalized diagnosis?

We utilize cutting-edge technology for precise fetal assessments, including high-resolution ultrasounds and fetal MRIs. Our expert Prenatal Diagnosis Board collaborates to ensure accurate diagnoses and tailor personalized care plans for each patient, addressing their specific needs and conditions.

8. What distinguishes your center in terms of maternal and fetal care?

Our center is a referral center of excellence, recognized for its integrated multidisciplinary approach. We collaborate with neonatal and pediatric subspecialists to provide seamless care from diagnosis through long-term follow-up. Our high-risk and multiple pregnancy clinics focus on the most advanced in-utero procedures, optimizing outcomes for both mother and baby.

9.Does Burjeel Medical City provide high-risk pregnancy care in the UAE?

Yes. Burjeel Medical City provides high-risk pregnancy care in the UAE through its Maternal Fetal Institute. The team manages complex pregnancies, fetal concerns, congenital anomalies, multiple pregnancies, and mothers who need advanced monitoring.

10.What tests are used for prenatal diagnosis?

Prenatal diagnosis may include ultrasound, fetal Doppler, blood tests, genetic screening, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, fetal echocardiography, fetal MRI, or other advanced imaging. The tests depend on the pregnancy risk and the baby’s condition.

11.When is fetal MRI recommended during pregnancy?

Fetal MRI may be recommended when ultrasound needs more detail, especially for suspected brain, spine, chest, abdominal, or complex fetal conditions. The maternal fetal medicine specialist decides based on scan findings and pregnancy stage.

12.Does the institute manage twin or multiple pregnancies?

Yes. Burjeel Medical City manages twin and multiple pregnancies. These pregnancies may need closer monitoring because they can carry a higher risk of early delivery, growth differences, placental concerns, and other complications.

13.Can fetal conditions be treated before birth?

Yes. Some fetal conditions can be treated before birth through fetal therapy or fetal surgery when appropriate. Suitability depends on the diagnosis, pregnancy stage, fetal condition, and the risks and benefits for both mother and baby.

14.How does the team plan delivery for high-risk pregnancy?

For high-risk pregnancy, the team plans delivery based on the mother’s health, baby’s condition, gestational age, scan findings, and need for NICU or specialist support. The goal is to choose the safest timing, place, and delivery method.

15.How do I choose a maternity specialist in Abu Dhabi?

Choose a maternity specialist in Abu Dhabi with experience in high-risk pregnancy, fetal medicine, prenatal diagnosis, multiple pregnancy, fetal therapy, and delivery planning. Also check access to NICU, neonatology, pediatric surgery, anesthesia, and emergency support.

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