American Hospital Dubai establishes region's first 'Fetal and Maternal Medicine Unit'

It is estimated that around 12,000 babies are delivered every year in Dubai hospitals. The vast majority of pregnancies proceed to the delivery of a healthy baby but there are occasions when problems arise during the antenatal period. Difficult pregnancies are more common amongst older women, those whose previous pregnancy had serious complication (like preterm labour), and women with medical conditions such as diabetes.

The progress in obstetric ultrasound scanning has greatly increased the ability to identify and diagnose at an early stage babies with congenital anomalies, genetic syndromes and babies who fail to thrive in utero. The advanced training and skills needed to deal with these cases has led to the creation of a subspecialty in obstetrics called 'Fetal / Maternal Medicine' in UK, and 'Perinatology' in the US.

Dr George Michailidis, Head of the new Fetal & Maternal Medicine Unit at the American Hospital Dubai, comments:

"Changes in lifestyle and culture - as well as developments in assisted reproductive techniques - have led to more mothers deferring their pregnancies until their late 30s or even early 40s. This in turn has resulted in an amplification of medical problems in pregnancy and complications associated with advanced maternal age."

"With the help of advanced fetal scanning technology and dedicated specialists, we can now examine the fetus at a very early stage and identify possible problems," adds Dr Michailidis. "By diagnosing these problems in the first trimester the parents have the opportunity to decide how to continue the pregnancy with the expert guidance and support of our Fetal Medicine Team. This results not only in expert management of the medical condition but also an opportunity to provide the parents with the support needed during very anxious times."

Screening for chromosomal anomalies is a major part of the Unit's service. Traditionally, the age cut-off for an invasive test like amniocentesis was 35. However modern screening tests that combine a series of ultrasound and biochemical markers (blood tests) are now available These tests can pick up to 95% of babies with trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) - and can help reduce the number of invasive tests and their complications.

Women with medical problems (like diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease, for example) as well as those who experienced significant pregnancy complications in previous pregnancies (like preterm labor, severe pre eclampsia, growth retardation) greatly benefit from good pregnancy planning. This should ideally start even before conception. Then the best time for a pregnancy, that helps to reduce possible complications can be identified. These pregnancies often need the coordinated care from physicians of different specialties.

The American Hospital Dubai delivers around 2,000 babies every year and has one of the largest private obstetric units in Dubai. The new Fetal & Maternal Medicine Unit is equipped with the latest scanners and is staffed by physicians with the skills to identify, diagnose and then manage high risk pregnancies. This team is supported by other complementary, multidisciplinary skills within the hospital, including endocrinologists, neonatologists, rheumatologists and obstetricians.