Fetal therapy / The treatment explorer

Treat the cause.
Understand the choice.

Before a treatment comes a question: what exactly are we trying to change? Explore how fetal therapies work—and where their limits begin.

Explore how treatments work
Assessment → Diagnosis → Treatment decision

Specialist fetal-therapy coordination in Abu Dhabi. Diagnostic and referral access in Al Ain and Dubai.

Ultrasound examination in a clinic — illustrative stock photograph, not a fetal intervention
MART PRODUCTION / Pexels · Illustrative stock photograph
The finding comes firstA procedure is only useful when it treats the right problem.

Explore the mechanism

Different problems.
Different targets.

Choose a treatment to see the problem it addresses, what needs checking first, and why follow-up still matters. This is an explanation, not a treatment recommendation.

Fetal anaemia

Fetal transfusion

Severe anaemia means the fetal blood cannot carry enough oxygen. It can strain the heart and, in some cases, contribute to hydrops. A transfusion addresses the shortage of red blood cells.

  1. The findingFetal anaemia
  2. The treatment targetOxygen-carrying capacity
  3. The intended changeReplace red blood cells

Before the decision

The cause of anaemia, middle cerebral artery Doppler, gestational age, fetal wellbeing, and the safest access route.

What treatment cannot promise

Replacing red cells does not necessarily remove the cause. Repeat transfusions and a coordinated birth plan may be needed.

After the procedure

Reassess for recurrent anaemia and plan the next review, further treatment, and newborn care.

Read the condition in depth

Selected TTTS

Placental laser

In TTTS, connected placental vessels contribute to unbalanced circulation between twins. Fetoscopic laser targets these connections; draining amniotic fluid alone does not disconnect them.

  1. The findingSelected TTTS
  2. The treatment targetCommunicating placental vessels
  3. The intended changeInterrupt the abnormal exchange

Before the decision

Chorionicity, the fluid around each twin, bladder findings, Doppler, gestational age, stage, and maternal symptoms.

What treatment cannot promise

Laser cannot guarantee survival or remove every later risk. TTTS and TAPS are distinct conditions and need the correct diagnosis.

After the procedure

Continue specialist ultrasound surveillance of both twins, with attention to recurrent imbalance, anaemia, growth, and neurological assessment.

Read the condition in depth

Selected fluid collections

Drainage & shunts

A large fluid collection can compress organs or interfere with their function. In selected conditions, a shunt provides a route for continued drainage rather than a single aspiration.

  1. The findingSelected fluid collections
  2. The treatment targetPressure in a defined space
  3. The intended changeCreate a drainage route

Before the decision

The exact fluid location, its cause, whether compression is important, associated findings, genetics where indicated, and the expected benefit.

What treatment cannot promise

A shunt may block or move. Drainage may not treat the underlying genetic, cardiac, or other cause of the collection.

After the procedure

Check the collection, organ response, shunt position, and whether the overall pregnancy plan needs to change.

Read the condition in depth

Excess amniotic fluid

Amnioreduction

Amnioreduction removes excess fluid from around the baby in selected situations. Fluid around the baby is different from fluid inside the baby, which may be part of hydrops.

  1. The findingExcess amniotic fluid
  2. The treatment targetAmniotic fluid volume
  3. The intended changeReduce fluid and pressure

Before the decision

The reason for excess fluid, maternal symptoms, cervical and membrane factors, fetal findings, and whether a cause-specific treatment is needed.

What treatment cannot promise

Fluid can build up again. This procedure does not replace placental laser when laser is indicated for TTTS.

After the procedure

Review maternal symptoms, fluid reaccumulation, and the underlying diagnosis to decide on monitoring or further care.

Read the condition in depth
Medical referencesSMFM Consult Series #72 — TTTS & TAPS

Detailed condition-specific references accompany the linked guides on this site.

Explore the knowledge library

Explore the finding. Understand the options.

All 12 guides

Make the most of your appointment

Bring your questions. Leave with a plan.

Use this checklist as a conversation starter. Tick the questions you want to ask, then print this page to take with you.

Selections stay on this page only and are not sent or saved.

Questions for your appointment

Care in the UAE

Where assessment and treatment take place

Specialist MFM assessment is available through Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi and Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital in Al Ain. Fetal-therapy procedures are coordinated through the designated Abu Dhabi programme. Patients in Dubai can enter the diagnostic and referral pathway through Mediclinic, with the appropriate location confirmed during triage.

Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital exterior

Abu Dhabi

Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital

Specialist assessment and the fetal-therapy procedure hub.

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Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital exterior

Al Ain

Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital

Full maternal–fetal diagnostics and coordinated referral.

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Dubai

Mediclinic referral pathway

Diagnostic and referral access through Mediclinic. The team confirms the appropriate facility during triage.

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Questions, answered

A few things you may be wondering.

Does a specialist referral mean something is wrong?

Not necessarily. An assessment may offer reassurance, clarify an uncertain finding, or plan closer care. The reason for referral determines the next step.

Can I contact the team myself?

Yes. The self-referral form needs your name, phone number, city, and a brief explanation. Other details are optional. The team will contact you and arrange any records needed.

Where do assessment and treatment take place?

Specialist MFM assessment is available through Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi and Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital in Al Ain. Fetal-therapy procedures are coordinated through the designated Abu Dhabi programme. Patients in Dubai can enter the diagnostic and referral pathway through Mediclinic, with the appropriate location confirmed during triage.

How do I prepare for a second opinion?

Write down the question you want answered and your gestational age. Have your reports and previous results available. The team will explain how to share any images securely after making contact.

When should I seek urgent help?

Heavy bleeding, severe pain, fluid loss, reduced fetal movements, collapse, breathing difficulty, seizures, or a severe headache with visual symptoms need immediate medical assessment. Do not wait for an online form response.

Your next step

Let’s make the next step clearer.

Tell the team your concern. We will contact you to help coordinate the right assessment.