The power of DHA and how it supports mum and baby during pregnancy

The prenatal health support you need to know about!

There’s a lot to think about when you’re expecting, and something you might not know about is the importance of DHA and how it supports mum and baby during pregnancy – and beyond.

In the first trimester, it can be hard to stay on top of nutrition and exercise, especially if you have morning sickness. One way to support your changing body and your growing baby during this time – and throughout your 40-ish weeks – is by ensuring you get enough key nutrients.

How DHA supports your pregnancy and your unborn baby

DHA, or Docosahexaenoic acid, is one of the three main omega-3 fatty acids and, during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, it assists with the creation of your baby’s central nervous system and the growth of the brain. It also plays a major role in the building blocks of the skin as well as eye health.

The requirement for DHA becomes increasingly important in the second and third trimesters as your developing baby grows at an incredible pace.

Deficiencies in this omega-3 fatty acid may have a long-term impact on a child’s cognitive abilities. An inadequate intake of DHA has been linked to food allergies and skin sensitivities in children, so it’s worth making sure you eat foods that contain DHA – more on that below – or take a supplement to catch any shortfall.

It’s not just about your baby, though. DHA supports mum’s health, too.

DHA omega-3 fatty acid and mum-to-be

Making sure you have enough DHA in your diet when you’re expecting a baby may help with emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and lactation.  A mum’s own levels of omega-3 fatty acids decrease due to the demand of the growing baby.

DHA builds up in the brain occurs most rapidly during the last trimester of pregnancy and during the first year of life. It relies on the mother’s nutrition during this time, so it’s important to maintain your DHA intake in the fourth trimester.

Evidence shows that DHA may help pregnant women get closer to full-term and potentially reduce the chance of a pre-term baby. Some studies have also reported that a diet containing essential omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, supports maternal health and may help reduce pregnancy complications in women who have low DHA levels.

The role it plays in healthy growth and development is so important, that as well as potentially reducing the chance of these pregnancy complications, it may also assist with a healthy birth weight due in part to a longer gestation period.

Foods that are high in DHA

Where can you get DHA? DHA can be derived from fish oil. If you enjoy eating fish and seafood, you’re in luck! While canned tuna is an easy and convenient source of DHA it may also have elevated levels of mercury so is best avoided when you’re expecting.

The main food sources of DHA that you can eat during pregnancy include:

• Salmon
• Sardines
• Trout
• Herrings
• Sea bass
• Prawn
• Oysters (cooked)
• Lobster                                                                                                                                       

Bio Island DHA for Pregnancy – supplementation

If you’re off your food in the first trimester, want to make sure you catch any nutrition shortfall, or you don’t eat fish and seafood, a pregnancy supplement of DHA is a great way to support the healthy growth and development of your unborn baby.

Bio Island DHA for Pregnancy is an easy-to-swallow soft gel capsule derived from microalgae. This supplement can be taken when you’re trying to conceive, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Always speak to your healthcare professional before taking supplements. Advise your doctor of any medicine you take during pregnancy, particularly in your first trimester. If you are concerned about the health of yourself or your baby, talk to your health practitioner.

Brought to you by Bio Island.