Corniche Hospital, a Seha Health System facility, has announced plans to launch an emirate-wide pre-pregnancy health awareness campaign at the upcoming 'Bride Show Abu Dhabi.'

A team of female doctors, dieticians and health experts from Corniche Hospital will be available at the Bride Show which runs from February 2 to 5 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, said a statement from the hospital.

The drive will target young women who will soon start their own families offering advice and giving away a free three month’s supply of pre-natal vitamins suitable for all women. 

Doctors at Corniche are advising it is never too early to start preparing for pregnancy and are reaching out to brides-to-be and young women to encourage them to maintain a healthy lifestyle and begin taking pre-natal vitamins, including folic acid, 3 months before  anticipated pregnancy in bid to reduce the prevalence of spina bifida among newborns.

Dr Judy Lee, chief medical officer of Corniche Hospital, platinum sponsors of The Bride Show Abu Dhabi, said, 'Newlyweds are often keen to start a family soon after they have celebrated their marriage and our goal is to educate them on how to prepare their bodies for pregnancy.'

'Another goal is to reduce the risks to the mother and her unborn baby if she has a personal or family history of medical conditions,' Dr Lee noted. 

'We recommend that brides-to-be begin taking pre-natal vitamins in the months leading up to their wedding and after so that their bodies are ready for pregnancy when the time comes.'

“In addition, unlike in other countries, many foods in the UAE are not fortified with folic acid and therefore it is important for women intending to become pregnant to ensure that they receive their recommended intake of folic acid from other sources.”

Women visiting the exhibition stand at the show will also have the opportunity to register for one of the free evening classes at the Women’s Health Centre in Abu Dhabi which aims to educate women about preparing for their pregnancy. 

There will be a private area where women can speak about more personal health-related issues with a doctor and receive free blood pressure, weight, body fat, and diabetes checks, said a hospital statement.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai bride shows, Middle East’s glamorous and sparkling bridal and fashion extravaganzas, have long promoted the importance of achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly when embarking upon a new marriage and family.

The Bride Show Abu Dhabi will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and will run from 2:30pm to 10:30pm, and the entry is Dh10.-TradeArabia News Service