Pregnancy and Postnatal Nutrition in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is pregnancy and postnatal nutrition?
Pregnancy and postnatal nutrition is personalised dietary care for the months before, during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy raises the need for several nutrients, such as folate, iron, iodine, calcium, vitamin D and protein, while the overall amount of extra food needed is smaller than many people expect, and mostly in the later months.
A fact that surprises many women: "eating for two" in quantity is unnecessary. What matters is eating for two in quality, with nutrient-rich food at each meal.
After birth, nutrition supports healing, rebuilds iron stores and fuels breastfeeding, while a mother's own needs are easy to overlook in the busy early weeks.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, pregnancy and postnatal nutrition is provided by the dietitian in the Nutrition and Dietetics service, working alongside your antenatal care team in Maternity.
Who needs it
Pregnancy and postnatal nutrition helps women who:
- Are planning a pregnancy and want to prepare their diet and supplements
- Are pregnant with nausea, vomiting, heartburn or constipation affecting their eating
- Have low iron, low vitamin D or a restricted diet, such as vegetarian or vegan eating
- Started pregnancy with a higher or lower weight and want guidance on healthy weight gain
- Have gestational diabetes or had it in a previous pregnancy
- Are expecting twins, or are under the care of a high-risk pregnancy team
- Have recently given birth and want support with recovery, breastfeeding and returning gradually to a healthy weight
What happens
The dietitian reviews your pregnancy stage, blood results, weight, medical history and supplements, then talks through a typical day of eating. The plan is then shaped around the nutrients that matter most:
| Nutrient | Why it matters | Food sources |
|---|---|---|
| Folate | Supports the baby's developing spine and brain | Leafy greens, lentils, chickpeas, fortified bread and cereals, plus the supplement your doctor advises |
| Iron | Supports the increased blood volume | Red meat, chicken, fish, lentils, beans, with vitamin C from fruit to aid absorption |
| Calcium and vitamin D | Build the baby's bones and protect yours | Milk, laban, yoghurt, cheese, oily fish, eggs, plus supplements as advised |
| Iodine | Supports the baby's brain development | Dairy, eggs, fish and iodised salt |
| Protein | Supports growth of the baby and placenta | Meat, fish, eggs, dairy, pulses, nuts |
Food safety is covered in detail: well-cooked meat, eggs and fish, pasteurised dairy only, washed fruit and vegetables, and careful storage of leftovers. The dietitian explains the fish choices lower in mercury, suggests caffeine limits for karak, coffee and energy drinks, and explains which herbal drinks to check with your doctor.
For vegetarian and vegan mothers, the dietitian plans protein, iron, vitamin B12, iodine and omega-3 fats from plant foods, fortified products and suitable supplements. Women who have had weight-loss surgery receive a plan that accounts for their smaller stomach and long-term supplements.
Pregnancy symptoms are managed with food: small frequent meals and dry snacks for nausea, smaller evening meals for heartburn, and fibre, fluid and walking for constipation.
After birth, the dietitian plans meals that support healing, iron recovery and breastfeeding. Traditional postnatal foods, such as fenugreek drinks, dates, soups and rich sweets offered by family, are discussed and fitted into a balanced plan. Weight comes down gradually after birth, and the plan keeps milk supply and energy steady.
Preparing for it
- Bring your antenatal notes, recent blood results and scan dates
- Bring the supplements you are taking, or photos of their labels
- Keep a three-day food and drink diary, including a weekend
- Note any symptoms affecting your eating, such as nausea or heartburn
- After birth, bring your baby if needed, since sessions can include feeding breaks
Afterwards
You leave with a written plan for your stage of pregnancy or recovery and a date for follow-up. The plan changes as pregnancy progresses and again after birth.
In the Sharjah heat, pregnant and breastfeeding women need extra fluid, so keep a water bottle close through the day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may be exempt from fasting in Ramadan; if you are considering fasting, speak with your obstetrician first, then the dietitian can plan suhoor, iftar and fluids.
Contact the hospital if vomiting stops you keeping food or fluids down for a day, or if you feel dizzy or pass very little urine. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, bleeding, reduced baby movements, severe headache or blurred vision.
Cost and insurance
Many UAE insurance plans with maternity benefits cover antenatal care, and some include dietitian sessions when linked to a condition such as gestational diabetes or anaemia. Supplements are usually paid for separately. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover on 06 599 7777.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of poor nutrition in pregnancy?
Poor nutrition in pregnancy can lead to anaemia, low vitamin D and a higher chance of problems with the baby's growth, while unsafe food can cause infections such as listeria or toxoplasmosis. Very restrictive diets or dieting to lose weight during pregnancy are also risky. The dietitian helps you avoid these while keeping your diet practical.
Do I need to eat for two during pregnancy?
You do not need to eat double portions during pregnancy. The extra energy needed is modest and mostly in the later months, while the need for certain nutrients rises more, so food quality matters more than quantity.
Which foods should I avoid in pregnancy?
Foods to avoid in pregnancy include unpasteurised dairy, undercooked meat, eggs and fish, raw shellfish, fish high in mercury such as shark and swordfish, and liver in large amounts. The dietitian gives you a complete list and safe alternatives.
Can I drink karak or coffee while pregnant?
Caffeine in pregnancy is usually allowed in moderation, including karak and coffee, while energy drinks are better left out altogether. The dietitian helps you track caffeine across all your drinks.
Can I fast in Ramadan while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women may be exempt from fasting, and whether fasting is safe depends on your health and pregnancy. Discuss it with your obstetrician before Ramadan, and the dietitian can plan meals and fluids if fasting is agreed.
How can I lose weight after giving birth?
Weight after birth usually comes down gradually with balanced eating, breastfeeding if you choose it, and activity approved by your doctor. Strict dieting in the early months can reduce energy and milk supply, so the dietitian plans a gradual approach.
Do I need to eat special foods to make more breast milk?
Most women produce enough breast milk with a balanced diet, enough fluid and frequent feeding. Traditional foods such as fenugreek are common, but milk supply depends mainly on regular feeding, and breastfeeding support can help.
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