Abdulla Mohammad Al Khan, MD

An internationally recognized expert in high-risk pregnancies, Dr. Abdulla Al-Khan is a distinguished figure in maternal-fetal medicine. He serves as the vice chairman and co-director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC). In addition to these roles, Dr. Al-Khan is the founder and director of The Center for Abnormal Placentation (CAP) and the co-director of the Fetal Care Center at HUMC.

Dr. Al-Khan's career is marked by a profound focus on managing the most complex medical and surgical conditions in pregnancy. He is a leading authority on placental complications, including placenta previa, placental abruption, and the full spectrum of placenta accreta spectrum disorders. In 2008, he established The Center for Abnormal Placentation at HUMC, the world's first multidisciplinary center dedicated to coordinating the care of patients with placenta accreta, a major cause of obstetric hemorrhage and maternal mortality. This pioneering center has become a global destination for women with high-risk pregnancies, seeking world-class surgical and medical care. The center is noted for its excellent outcomes in managing these critical conditions.

A testament to his innovative approach, Dr. Al-Khan was the first physician in the world to perform a robotic transabdominal cerclage, a procedure to prevent pregnancy loss by closing the cervix. His expertise has also garnered national and international recognition for successfully delivering the oldest pregnant patient in the United States.

Dr. Al-Khan's contributions to the field have been acknowledged with prestigious honors. He was awarded The First Degree of The National Golden Medal by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, his native country. This honor now bestows upon him the title of 'Sir'.

A double board-certified physician in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Dr. Al-Khan is also a dedicated academic. He holds the title of Professor at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and has academic appointments at Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School and St. George's University School of Medicine. He is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Dr. Al-Khan graduated from St. George's University School of Medicine in 1995 and completed his residency and fellowship at Seton Hall University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, respectively. He has lectured extensively around the world, sharing his knowledge on all aspects of perinatal medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my pregnancy considered high-risk and what does this specific diagnosis mean?
Let's start by clarifying what 'high-risk' means, because the term itself can cause a lot of anxiety. It simply means your pregnancy has a condition that requires specialized monitoring. This could range from common issues like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, to carrying twins, or concerns about the baby's growth. Our team is equipped to manage this entire spectrum. To give you a sense of the level of expertise we bring to every patient, our practice is home to the Center for Abnormal Placentation. There, we manage the most complex cases of placenta accreta—where the placenta grows too deeply—and have achieved international recognition for our 100% maternal survival rate. So, no matter the specific reason you are here, you can be confident that you are being cared for by a team that is prepared for any challenge, from the most common to the most complex.

Will my baby need to go to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after birth?
With a planned delivery for any condition, we prepare for every possibility. If your baby needs extra support, they will be admitted to our Level IIIC NICU, the highest accreddited and only in Bergen County. It is staffed 24/7 and specializes in caring for premature infants and those with complex medical needs, including advanced pulmonary support. Our goal is to have the entire expert team ready and waiting for both you and your baby.