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Hospital handles large number of complicated pregnancies every month

Dr Nadia Al Sawalhi, consultant paediatrician and gynaecologist, who also heads the unit, while speaking to Khaleej Times yesterday said, “Given that the unit operates only three days a week, this is a comparatively huge number in a month. It is also important for us since we have been operational only for four years and we have cases from all of the GCC countries referred to us as well.”

The total number of normal births in the hospital in a year are over 7,800.

The unit tests and takes samples using the amniotic fluid from a pregnant mother in case there is a chance of a complicated pregnancy, explained the doctor.

“This includes screening for genetic diseases such as thalassaemia, heart deformities and other birth defects,” she added.

“If an unborn child is found to have abnormalities, we let the couple know of the complications that could occur after the birth of the child,” she said.

Several couples have opted to terminate the pregnancies after they have been informed, she added.

“However, since the country’s laws do not allow any kind of abortion, the hospital sends the couple abroad for the procedures,” explained Dr Nadia. This, she pointed out, could only be done within 120 days of the pregnancy according to Islamic laws.

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