How fertility science is rewriting motherhood in the UAE

Infertility is becoming increasingly common around the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 17.5 percent of adults — roughly one in six — experience infertility. The trend is also evident in the UAE, which now reports some of the lowest fertility rates among Arab countries, with figures ranging between 1.5 and 1.7 children per woman. A recent study by researchers at the University of Sharjah, based on World Bank data, highlights a steady decline in birth rates, pointing to both lifestyle shifts and delayed family planning.

However, with advanced fertility treatments and growing awareness of prenatal care, more women in the UAE are seeking medical support and successfully starting families. From IVF to hormone therapies, modern reproductive options are helping many achieve motherhood, something that may not have been possible just a generation ago.

Shift in the age of conception

More women in the UAE are now choosing to conceive later in life, a trend confirmed by doctors across the country.

Tech-driven paths to parenthood

While age does influence fertility, advancements in reproductive medicine are helping to bridge the biological gap. Treatments such as IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for male-factor infertility, hormone therapy, and IVF with frozen embryo transfer are offering new hope for later-age conception.

“Advancements like egg freezing, IVF and hormone therapy are making a huge impact,” says Dr Garg.

“Nowadays, we are getting an increasing number of patients asking for details and outcomes of egg freezing. Procedures like IVF with frozen embryo transfer have also positively impacted success rates.”

Dr Vuppu also highlights the growing role of fertility preservation in enabling delayed pregnancies. She names egg freezing and IVF among the top innovations supporting this shift.

Dr Abddelaziz adds that preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), used to identify genetic abnormalities in embryos created through IVF, has become a key factor in improving outcomes.

“It helps reduce miscarriage rates by screening for chromosomal abnormalities before embryo transfer,” she says.

Late-age conception and egg freezing

Egg freezing is gaining traction as a proactive solution for women who want to conceive later in life using younger, healthier eggs.

“A lot of women believe that if they are nearing 40, they will not be able to conceive and some even think they are already menopausal,” says Dr Garg.

“Biological clock is a truth, however, we can overcome it, if we consider egg freezing in early 30s; so that even at 40, they have eggs from their earlier age.”

In addition to fertility preservation, she recommends a healthy lifestyle to support reproductive wellness.

“Taking help from assisted reproduction centres and testing for Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels, which reflect ovarian egg reserve helps. Maintaining a healthy BMI and regular cycles also keeps PCOS and metabolic syndrome away,” Dr Garg explains.

Proactive steps for fertility health

Doctors agree that timely, informed action is critical to protecting and extending fertility, especially for women in their 30s and early 40s.

“From age 30 and above, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by controlling weight, avoiding smoking, and managing stress,” says Dr Vuppu. “Timely consultation with fertility specialists is recommended if planning to delay conception or experiencing irregular cycles, along with considering fertility assessments.”

Dr Garg adds, “Regardless of age, women must make sure their period cycles are regular. If they notice irregularity of periods for more than three months, they must consult their obstetrician and gynaecologist.”

Meanwhile, Dr Abddelaziz emphasises the value of routine fertility assessments. “These are valuable tools not just for those actively trying to conceive, but also for those who are undecided or planning for the future.”

Tackling misconceptions about age and fertility

espite significant medical advancements, myths and outdated beliefs about fertility continue to influence decision-making.

“It is a common misconception that IVF can fully counteract age-related fertility decline, having regular periods is a reliable indicator of preserved fertility, and that women can easily conceive into their 40s without any significant risk,” says Dr Sailaja Vuppu, HOD and Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi.

Dr Amal Hassan Abddelaziz, Consultant (HOD), Center for Obstetrics & Gynecology, Thumbay University Hospital, echoes this sentiment, adding, “People sometimes believe that one can wait indefinitely to conceive [through IVF] without any compromise in success rates.”

Both experts advocate for a more informed and proactive dialogue around fertility. “Promote open discussions with obstetricians and gynaecologists about fertility timelines, use fertility awareness tools for clarity rather than fear, and normalise fertility preservation as a proactive rather than desperate choice,” says Dr Vuppu.

Dr Abddelaziz urges women to make empowered decisions and avoid comparisons. “Seek accurate, evidence-based information from fertility specialists. Understand that early evaluation does not mean early intervention. It’s about awareness, not pressure.”

Prenatal care reduces pregnancy risks

ospitals across the UAE are well prepared to manage high-risk pregnancies with advanced medical expertise, technology and continuous monitoring. Whether complications come from pre-existing health conditions or arise during pregnancy, timely prenatal care helps reduce risks and ensure better outcomes for both mother and baby. Many facilities now offer targeted diagnostics and treatments for fetal concerns, supported by ongoing developments in fetal medicine. From early screening to specialised care, hospitals are better equipped than ever to manage complex pregnancies. In addition, advanced neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) provide critical support for premature or vulnerable newborns, ensuring that every stage of the parental journey is backed by expert care.