Obstetrics and gynaecology covers two connected areas: pregnancy and childbirth (obstetrics), and the health of the female reproductive system at every age (gynaecology). In the UAE, routine antenatal care involves 8 to 12 visits across a pregnancy, cervical screening is recommended from age 25, and mammography screening typically begins at age 40.
Key facts
- Antenatal care in the UAE generally follows a schedule of monthly visits to 28 weeks, fortnightly to 36 weeks, then weekly until delivery.
- First scan is usually at 6 to 9 weeks to confirm viability and dating; the anomaly scan is at 18 to 22 weeks.
- Cervical screening is recommended from age 25, repeating every 3 to 5 years depending on the test used and the result.
- Mammography is generally recommended from age 40, or earlier with a strong family history.
- Gestational diabetes screening is standard at 24 to 28 weeks, and the UAE has a high regional prevalence, so this test matters here more than in many countries.
- You do not need a referral to see a gynaecologist in the UAE private sector. Direct booking is standard.
What does a gynaecologist treat?
Gynaecology is not only about pregnancy. Common reasons to book an appointment:
- Menstrual problems — heavy bleeding, irregular cycles, absent periods, severe cramping
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — irregular cycles, acne, excess hair growth, weight change, fertility difficulty
- Endometriosis — pain that dominates your cycle, pain during sex, pain that painkillers do not touch
- Fibroids — heavy periods, pelvic pressure, urinary frequency
- Pelvic pain of any persistent kind
- Recurrent infections — thrush, bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections
- Contraception — choosing, starting, changing or removing a method
- Fertility concerns — no pregnancy after 12 months of trying, or 6 months if you are over 35
- Menopause — hot flushes, sleep disruption, mood change, vaginal dryness, bone health
- Screening — cervical, breast, and pelvic ultrasound where indicated
A recurring theme: many women wait years with symptoms they were told were normal. Heavy bleeding that soaks through protection hourly is not normal. Pain that stops you working is not normal. Both are treatable.
What happens during antenatal care?
Booking visit (8–12 weeks). Full history, blood pressure, weight, blood tests including blood group, full blood count, thyroid function, rubella immunity, hepatitis B and C, HIV and syphilis screening. A dating scan confirms gestational age.
11–14 weeks. Nuchal translucency scan combined with blood markers to assess chromosomal risk. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is available in the UAE as an alternative or addition.
18–22 weeks. Anomaly scan. A detailed structural review of the baby, plus placental position and amniotic fluid.
24–28 weeks. Glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes. Repeat full blood count. Anti-D injection if you are Rhesus negative.
28–36 weeks. Growth scans, blood pressure and urine checks each visit, position assessment, discussion of birth preferences.
36 weeks onward. Weekly review, Group B Streptococcus swab, final growth and wellbeing assessment, delivery planning.
Any bleeding, severe headache, visual disturbance, sudden swelling, reduced fetal movement or abdominal pain warrants contact the same day, whatever the schedule says.
What are the delivery options?
Vaginal birth remains the default where there is no medical reason otherwise. Pain relief options range from breathing and mobility through to gas and air, pethidine and epidural.
Water birth is offered in a small number of UAE facilities for low-risk pregnancies, with strict eligibility criteria. It is not suitable if there are complications, if the baby is preterm, or if continuous monitoring is required. [THUMBAY: reference the water birth programme at Thumbay University Hospital — confirm current eligibility criteria with the OB-GYN department.]
Caesarean section may be planned for medical reasons, or become necessary during labour. Planned caesareans are usually scheduled at 39 weeks unless earlier delivery is indicated.
VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) is possible for many women with one previous lower-segment caesarean, assessed individually.
The right conversation to have early is not “which one do I want” but “what would make each of these safer or less likely for me.”
Screening: what to do and when
| Screening | Start age | Frequency |
| Cervical (Pap / HPV) | 25 | Every 3–5 years depending on test and result |
| HPV vaccination | Ideally 9–14, catch-up to 26+ | Two or three doses |
| Breast self-awareness | 20s | Ongoing |
| Clinical breast exam | 25–30 | Every 1–3 years |
| Mammogram | 40 | Every 1–2 years |
| Bone density (DEXA) | 65, or earlier with risk factors | Per result |
| Thyroid, iron, vitamin D | As indicated | Common deficiencies regionally |
Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in the UAE across all age groups and is worth checking, particularly during pregnancy and around menopause.
Menopause care
Perimenopause typically begins in the mid-forties and can last several years before periods stop. Symptoms include irregular cycles, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, brain fog, joint aches and vaginal dryness.
Treatment options include hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal medication, vaginal oestrogen for local symptoms, and lifestyle measures with genuine evidence behind them — strength training for bone and muscle, sleep hygiene, reduced alcohol. HRT has been the subject of a great deal of outdated fear; for most healthy women under 60 within ten years of menopause, the benefits outweigh the risks. That is a conversation to have with a clinician, not with the internet.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I see a gynaecologist? An annual well-woman visit is reasonable from the early twenties, or from the start of sexual activity. Come sooner if you have irregular or heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, unusual discharge, pain during sex, difficulty conceiving, or menopausal symptoms affecting your daily life.
How many antenatal visits are there in a UAE pregnancy? Typically 8 to 12 visits: monthly until 28 weeks, fortnightly from 28 to 36 weeks, then weekly until delivery. High-risk pregnancies including twins, gestational diabetes or hypertension need more frequent monitoring.
At what age should cervical screening start in the UAE? Cervical screening is generally recommended from age 25, repeating every three to five years depending on whether a Pap test, HPV test or co-test is used and what the previous result showed. HPV vaccination is separate from and additional to screening.
Do I need a referral to see a gynaecologist in the UAE? No. In the UAE private sector you can book directly with a gynaecologist or obstetrician. Some insurance plans require pre-approval for procedures and scans rather than for the consultation itself, so check your policy for coverage rather than access.
When should I worry about not getting pregnant? Seek assessment after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse if you are under 35, or after 6 months if you are 35 or older. Seek advice sooner if you have irregular or absent periods, known PCOS or endometriosis, previous pelvic surgery or infection, or a partner with a known fertility issue.
Is water birth available in the UAE? Water birth is offered at a limited number of UAE facilities for low-risk pregnancies meeting specific criteria. It is not suitable where continuous fetal monitoring is needed, in preterm labour, or where complications are present. Ask your obstetrician early in pregnancy whether you are eligible.
What is the glucose tolerance test in pregnancy for? It screens for gestational diabetes, usually between 24 and 28 weeks. Gestational diabetes is common in the UAE population and often causes no symptoms, but untreated it increases the risk of a large baby, delivery complications and later type 2 diabetes. It is usually managed with diet, sometimes with medication.
Ready to take the next step? Book an appointment at Thumbay University Hospital today to consult with our expert Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist.
