UAE Pregnancy Scans: Timeline, CPT Codes, DHA/SEHA Rules

Obstetric ultrasounds in the UAE are sequenced per trimester-specific diagnostic objectives, governed by regulatory frameworks from DHA, SEHA, and MOHAP. The initial baseline endovaginal ultrasound (6–10 weeks) establishes gestational sac location, yolk sac presence, and embryonic viability. Subsequent scans are protocol-driven to match clinical endpoints — from first-trimester aneuploidy screening via NT and PAPP-A/β-hCG markers, to fetal echocardiography and anomaly detection in the second trimester, and growth trajectory monitoring through EFW and amniotic index assessments during the third.

UAE maternal health standards outline a gestational imaging map aligned with diagnostic intentions:

• 11–14 weeks: NT scan for chromosomal risk stratification
• 18–22 weeks: Anomaly scan for structural and organ-based evaluations
• 28–36 weeks: Growth and Doppler scans for biometric progression and placental perfusion
• ≥35 weeks: GBS screening, BPP for late gestation fetal status

These scans are administered by DHA-licensed sonographers at accredited facilities such as Aster Clinics, Mediclinic, NMC, and Amax Healthcare, with service codification under CPT codes 76801–76817. Insurance schemes like Daman and Thiqa often cap coverage to three reimbursable trimester-aligned scans, as per UAE’s Essential Benefit Plans and national perinatal surveillance mandates.

How Pregnancy Scan Protocols Are Defined in the UAE?

Prenatal imaging in the UAE is governed by clinical mandates established through diagnostic imaging frameworks issued by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). These authorities define trimester-segmented sonography protocols to facilitate precise detection of early embryonic viability, aneuploidy risk, congenital anomalies, and late-gestation fetal status.

DHA guidelines, including the Standards for Diagnostic Imaging Services and the Obstetric & Neonatal Care Guidelines, endorse:

• Early dating ultrasound (6–10 weeks) for intrauterine sac localization, yolk sac visibility, and crown–rump length (CRL) measurement
• Nuchal translucency (NT) scan (11–14 weeks) to screen for chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Trisomy 21, 18, 13)
• Comprehensive anomaly scan (18–22 weeks) aligned with CPT code 76805, mandated for fetal anatomical evaluation

SEHA and Department of Health (DOH) protocols closely align with these benchmarks and incorporate additional diagnostic criteria such as uterine artery Doppler studies (22–24 weeks) for preeclampsia risk stratification, and Biophysical Profile (BPP) with NST integration post 35 weeks to assess intrauterine compromise in post-term pregnancies.

UAE insurance plans (e.g., Daman, Thiqa) link prenatal scan authorization to trimester-specific CPT codes (76801 to 76817). While Essential Benefit Plans (EBPs) typically permit one reimbursable scan per trimester, patients flagged under high-risk obstetric categories (e.g., fetal growth restriction, placenta previa, abnormal Dopplers) qualify for escalated diagnostic imaging and supplemental fetal monitoring protocols.

What Each Pregnancy Trimester Requires in Terms of Scans?

In the UAE, prenatal imaging follows a trimester-based roadmap aligned with fetal development milestones and maternal risk factors, in accordance with DHA and SEHA clinical guidelines. These scans aren’t just routine checkups — each one is designed with a clear diagnostic purpose and is timed precisely within specific windows of pregnancy.

First Trimester (0–13+6 weeks): Early Confirmation & Genetic Risk Screening

The first trimester is all about establishing the basics — is the pregnancy progressing as expected, and are there any early signs of genetic risk? The scans during these weeks are time-sensitive and foundational.

• Dating Ultrasound (6–10 weeks): This initial scan confirms the pregnancy’s location inside the uterus, verifies fetal cardiac activity, and measures Crown–Rump Length (CRL) to determine accurate gestational age. DHA requires this under CPT 76801 to establish early viability.
• NT Scan + Double Marker (11–13+6 weeks): This scan screens for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13). It combines the nuchal translucency measurement with serum markers (PAPP-A and free β-hCG). Under CPT 76813, this is mandated by SEHA for comprehensive first-trimester risk assessment.
• Optional Scans (Based on Risk Factors): If you’re carrying twins or have a history of complications such as bleeding, IVF, or previous losses, your doctor may recommend early cervical length checks or assessment of chorionicity to guide follow-up care.

Second Trimester (14–27 weeks): Detailed Anatomy & Cardiac Assessment

By the second trimester, the focus shifts from confirmation to detail. This is when key structures are examined in depth — not just for how your baby is growing, but for how everything is forming and functioning.

• Anomaly Scan (18–22 weeks): Sometimes called the mid-pregnancy scan, this is a crucial exam that checks the baby’s organs — including the brain, spine, heart, kidneys, limbs, and facial features such as the palate. DHA and SEHA both list this scan as mandatory under CPT 76805 / 76811.
• Fetal Echocardiography (20–24 weeks): If the pregnancy is considered high-risk (such as those involving IVF, abnormal NT results, maternal diabetes, or a family history of heart defects), a detailed fetal heart evaluation is often recommended. This is performed under CPT 93325.
• Cervical Length Scan (16–24 weeks): This transvaginal scan measures cervical length to assess the risk of preterm birth — particularly important for patients with previous pregnancy losses or other red flags. It’s billed under CPT 76817.
• Optional Add-On: In some pregnancies, your provider may request a uterine artery Doppler scan around 22–24 weeks. This helps in evaluating the risk for conditions like preeclampsia, especially when other indicators raise concern.

Third Trimester (28–40+ weeks): Growth Tracking & Birth Planning

As you approach the final stretch, third-trimester scans become all about preparation — tracking your baby’s growth, checking for signs of distress, and helping your care team plan the safest possible delivery.

• Growth Scans (Typically at 28, 32, and 36 weeks): These scans monitor your baby’s size and growth trajectory by measuring parameters like Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW), Head Circumference (HC), Abdominal Circumference (AC), and Femur Length (FL). DHA requires these under CPT 76816, particularly for cases involving gestational diabetes or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
• Doppler Ultrasound (from 32 weeks onward): This advanced scan checks the blood flow in the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries to assess fetal well-being in pregnancies where there’s concern about oxygen or nutrient supply. It’s coded under CPT 76820.
• Biophysical Profile + NST (from 35 weeks onward): Towards the end of pregnancy, this test gives a composite picture of your baby’s health by evaluating movement, tone, breathing, heart rate, and amniotic fluid levels. It’s particularly useful in post-dates or high-risk pregnancies. The components fall under CPT 76818 (BPP) and 59025 (NST).
• Optional Final Scans: Your doctor might suggest a scan to check the placenta’s maturity, your baby’s position (especially if breech), or overall delivery readiness — particularly if you’re planning a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).

11 Types of Scanning During Pregnancy Explained – What They Diagnose and When

Understanding the different types of prenatal scans—and when they’re scheduled—can help expectant parents follow care recommendations with greater confidence. Each scan serves a distinct clinical role and is timed according to both fetal development and UAE health authority protocols (DHA and SEHA).

1. Dating Scan (6–10 weeks)

This is usually the first scan of the pregnancy and helps confirm that the fetus is developing within the uterus. It also detects a heartbeat and measures Crown–Rump Length (CRL), which is essential for determining gestational age. DHA mandates this scan under CPT 76801, as it anchors early pregnancy assessments and guides accurate scheduling for all subsequent scans.

2. Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan + Double Marker Test (11–13+6 weeks)

This combined screening assesses the risk of chromosomal abnormalities—such as Trisomy 21, 18, and 13—by measuring the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck (NT) and analyzing key maternal blood markers (PAPP-A and free β-hCG). It’s a critical component of first-trimester risk stratification, and SEHA requires it under CPT 76813.

3. Anomaly Scan (18–22 weeks)

Performed mid-pregnancy, this scan examines all major fetal organs—brain, heart, spine, kidneys, limbs, and facial features—for structural abnormalities. It offers a detailed view of fetal anatomy and is a routine diagnostic checkpoint in the UAE, coded under CPT 76805 or 76811 depending on the complexity and scope.

4. Fetal Echocardiography (20–24 weeks)

Recommended for pregnancies flagged as high-risk (e.g., IVF, diabetes, abnormal NT results, or known cardiac history), this scan provides a focused evaluation of fetal heart structure and function. It’s a specialized test typically ordered under CPT 93325, and often influences delivery planning in complex cases.

5. Cervical Length Assessment (16–24 weeks)

This transvaginal scan is used to measure cervical length and predict the risk of preterm labor. While not universal, it’s strongly advised for women with prior pregnancy losses or other predisposing factors. DHA includes it under CPT 76817 for targeted surveillance in high-risk obstetrics.

6. Uterine Artery Doppler (22–24 weeks, risk-based)

Though not part of standard prenatal scanning, this Doppler evaluation may be added when there’s a concern about placental insufficiency or preeclampsia risk. It assesses resistance in uterine artery blood flow—an early indicator of potential hypertensive complications.

7. Growth Scans (28, 32, and 36 weeks)

Conducted at regular intervals during the third trimester, these scans track fetal development using biometric parameters like Head Circumference (HC), Abdominal Circumference (AC), Femur Length (FL), and Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW). Serial assessments are required in cases of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or poorly controlled diabetes. DHA codes this under CPT 76816.

8. Doppler Ultrasound (≥32 weeks)

When there’s concern about fetal oxygen or nutrient supply—especially in growth-restricted or post-term pregnancies—a Doppler scan may be used to evaluate blood flow through the umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery (MCA). It’s billed under CPT 76820 and often influences timing of delivery.

9. Biophysical Profile + Non-Stress Test (≥35 weeks)

This combination evaluates late-term fetal well-being by assessing movement, tone, breathing, amniotic fluid volume, and heart rate response. It’s a standard part of high-risk or post-dates management in UAE maternity care. The components are billed under CPT 76818 (BPP) and 59025 (NST).

10. Delivery-Readiness Scans (Case-Triggered, Late Third Trimester)

Depending on individual circumstances—such as planned VBAC, breech positioning, or uncertain placental location—your provider may recommend additional imaging. These aren’t always scheduled in advance but play an essential role in guiding labor strategy and minimizing complications.

11. 2D, 3D & 4D Ultrasounds (Elective & Add-On Imaging)

While all medically indicated prenatal scans in the UAE—such as dating, NT, anomaly, and growth assessments—are performed using 2D grayscale ultrasound, many private clinics also offer 3D and 4D ultrasound scans as elective imaging services.

• 2D Ultrasound is the standard clinical format used in all DHA- and SEHA-mandated scans. It produces black-and-white cross-sectional images that are essential for measuring fetal growth, detecting anomalies, and tracking development.
• 3D Ultrasound creates a static, three-dimensional image of the fetus, often used for clearer visualization of facial features, limb positioning, or surface anatomy. Some clinics include 3D rendering as part of advanced anomaly scans for parents seeking a more defined fetal view.
• 4D Ultrasound adds motion to 3D imaging, offering a real-time video experience of fetal movements. These are non-diagnostic scans, typically used for parental bonding, keepsake videos, or personal viewing.

These elective scans are not required under DHA, SEHA, or MOHAP clinical guidelines and are generally offered as self-pay packages, with costs ranging between AED 350–1,000, depending on provider, duration, and resolution.

They are most commonly scheduled in the late second or early third trimester (around 26–32 weeks), when facial features and movements are most visible. However, they do not replace required diagnostic scans such as the anomaly or growth scan.

All scans, including 3D and 4D, must be conducted using MOHAP-registered ultrasound equipment by DHA- or SEHA-licensed sonographers trained in obstetric imaging.

While 3D and 4D scans are not medically necessary, they’re often sought after by parents for the emotional experience of “meeting” their baby in greater detail. For clinical accuracy and pregnancy risk management, always prioritize your 2D-based diagnostic scans in consultation with your obstetrician.

Pregnancy Ultrasound Timeline by Scan Type, Purpose & UAE Mandates (2025)

To support evidence-based prenatal decision-making, the table below summarizes each recommended scan in the UAE across trimesters. It outlines the diagnostic intent, ideal gestational windows, DHA/SEHA compliance requirements, and CPT codes used in insurance billing and medical documentation. This structured format ensures clarity for expectant mothers, clinicians, and public health stakeholders.

DHA and SEHA Scan Recommendations – What’s Mandatory?

In the UAE, prenatal scan mandates are structured under authority-specific protocols led by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), and MOHAP, each assigning trimester-based scan obligations, conditional diagnostics, and reimbursement boundaries.

Under DHA protocols, an early dating scan (CPT 76801) is mandated between 6–10 weeks to confirm intrauterine viability, fetal heartbeat, and calculate gestational age via crown–rump length (CRL). Between 11–13+6 weeks, the NT scan (CPT 76813) becomes compulsory, integrating nuchal fold measurement, PAPP-A, and β-hCG levels for aneuploidy risk stratification, specifically targeting Trisomy 21, 18, and 13.

By 18–22 weeks, both DHA and SEHA require a fetal anomaly scan (CPT 76805 or 76811) to screen for structural abnormalities, including cardiac malformations, craniofacial clefts, and limb defects. SEHA protocols further include cervical length assessment (CPT 76817) to evaluate preterm birth risk, particularly in multiparous or twin gestation cases.

In the third trimester, SEHA authorizes Doppler scans (CPT 76820) and Biophysical Profiles (BPP) (CPT 76818) beyond 32–34 weeks, specifically for IUGR, gestational diabetes, or preeclampsia. DHA mandates serial growth scans (CPT 76816) between 28–36 weeks in flagged high-risk categories. Meanwhile, MOHAP aligns its scan timelines with DHA/SEHA but serves as a broader harmonizing body, particularly around reimbursement conditions and national coverage frameworks.

This structured mandate-based architecture ensures scan scheduling compliance, insurance CPT traceability, and early fetal risk identification in both public and private UAE healthcare systems.

Where to Get Scans Done – Public & Private UAE Hospitals?

In the UAE, prenatal scans are regulated clinical interventions—not optional checkups. Under both DHA (Dubai Health Authority) and SEHA (Abu Dhabi Health Services Company), these imaging assessments must follow strict timing, facility licensing, and CPT coding requirements. The goal is twofold: ensure fetal safety and enable consistent, audit-ready maternal care across the emirates.

Regulatory Structure and Access Points

Scans must be performed in DHA-licensed or SEHA-affiliated facilities, each with certified OB/GYNs and radiologists trained in fetal imaging. Patients can verify licensed centers via the DHA Doctor for Every Citizen App or the SEHA Facility Locator. Coverage is available through Thiqa (SEHA), Daman (Essential and Enhanced), NAS, NEURON, and other UAE-authorized insurers, depending on eligibility and trimester.

For self-paying patients, scan prices range from AED 200 to AED 900, depending on modality and provider location.

Pregnancy Scan Mandates by Trimester – UAE (DHA/SEHA)

What to Ask Your Doctor at Each Scan Visit?

Every scan during pregnancy tells a different part of your baby’s story. But what you ask during those appointments can shape the care you receive, the peace of mind you carry home, and the decisions ahead. Here’s how to make the most of each visit—whether you’re at a DHA-licensed clinic in Dubai or under SEHA care in Abu Dhabi.

1. First Trimester: Dating Scan (6–10 Weeks)

This is usually the scan that confirms the pregnancy and sets your expected due date.

Ask your doctor:

• Is the baby’s heartbeat visible, and is it strong (over 100 bpm)?
• Does the Crown–Rump Length match my expected dates?
• Can I get the CPT code (76801) for my insurance or maternity claim?

If you’re using Thiqa or Daman, ask if the scan is logged in your EMR (Salama or Cerner). This ensures follow-ups stay aligned.

2. First Trimester: NT Scan + Blood Work (11–13+6 Weeks)

This scan assesses early genetic risk and often pairs with a double marker blood test.

Ask your doctor:

• Is the NT measurement under 3.5mm?
• Would you recommend NIPT or double marker testing based on this scan?
• Will these results guide my next steps, like seeing a fetal medicine specialist?

Note: SEHA requires this for combined risk scoring. If you’re paying privately, check whether labs are included.

3. Second Trimester: Anomaly Scan (18–22 Weeks)

This detailed scan looks closely at your baby’s brain, heart, spine, and more.

Ask your doctor:

• Were all organs clearly seen—especially the heart, kidneys, and brain?
• Was there anything that might need a closer look or follow-up scan?
• Has this scan been added to my DHA or SEHA record?

In UAE guidelines, this scan is only reimbursed once—so make sure it’s comprehensive.

4. Third Trimester: Growth Scans (28, 32, 36 Weeks)

These help track how your baby is growing and whether everything is on course.

Ask your doctor:

• What’s my baby’s estimated weight percentile?
• Are fluid levels and blood flow (via Doppler) looking normal?
• Do I need more frequent monitoring for any reason?

Some insurance plans limit how often these scans are covered—check CPT code 76816 if billing privately.

5. Late Pregnancy: BPP, NST & Position Checks (35 Weeks and Beyond)

As delivery approaches, these tests monitor well-being and birth readiness.

Ask your doctor:

• What’s my BPP score, and how’s baby’s movement?
• Do I need an NST now, or only if I go past my due date?
• Is my baby head-down, and is there anything I need to prepare for labor?

VBAC or breech planning may require additional scans. Some may not be automatically covered—ask first.

Across All Appointments: Don’t Hesitate to Ask…

• Is the scan done by a DHA or SEHA-certified sonographer?
• “Will this be recorded in my EMR for continuity of care?
• Can I confirm the CPT code, and whether it’s covered under my insurance (Thiqa, Daman, NAS, Neuron)?

Getting this info upfront can save you stress later—especially when switching between public and private care.

FAQs About Pregnancy Scans in UAE

Aisha Rahman

Medical Advisor & Health Writer at HealthFinder.ae |  + postsBio ⮌

Dr. Aisha Rahman is a board-certified internal medicine specialist with over 12 years of clinical experience in chronic disease management and preventive healthcare. She has worked at leading hospitals across the UAE, helping patients manage conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders.

A strong advocate for preventive medicine, Dr. Rahman emphasizes early diagnosis, lifestyle modifications, and patient education to reduce chronic illness risks. She is an active member of the Emirates Medical Association and has contributed to health awareness programs and medical research initiatives. Her expertise has been featured in The National UAE, Gulf Health Magazine, and leading medical journals. As a keynote speaker at healthcare conferences, she shares insights on evidence-based treatments, patient-centered care, and advancements in internal medicine.

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Dr. Al-Farsi has collaborated with leading hospitals, research institutions, and universities in the UAE, ensuring that health information is scientifically accurate and evidence-based. His research has been published in Gulf Medical Journal, Dubai Health Review, and WHO Nutrition Reports, making significant contributions to nutrition science and public health awareness.

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