DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is a type of omega-3 fatty acid and also an essential nutrient for the healthy and normal development of our brain, eyes and nervous system. Studies conducted suggest that DHA brings many advantages and benefits to both pregnant mothers and their little ones. Hence, in addtion to other nutrients such as folic acid and calcium, DHA should also be counted as an important nutrient for pregnant women.
Our bodies need Omega-3 fats to function properly but it can't make it. Adults get their supply of DHA from food and supplements. A child in the mother's womb get this essential fat from their mother while newborns get DHA from breastmilk or milk and baby formula fortified with DHA. Since the little ones in their mothers for nutrition, it is vital that expectant and breastfeeding women include ample amounts of DHA in their everyday diet.
Some of the good sources of DHA
DHA can be found in foods such as halibut, cod, sole, salmon, herring, sardines, eggs, meat, anchovies, walnuts and walnut oil. Another option is DHA supplements derived from fish oil or algae, with algae generally recommended as being gentler on the stomach. While fish are an excellent source of DHA, many doctors advise pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid fish because of the potential of contaminants such as mercury, which can have adverse effects on the health of the mother and unborn baby.
How does DHA benefit a mother during pregnancy?
DHA supplements can increase DHA levels in the mother's blood and breast milk. The little ones can get essential nutrition right from the beginning if mothers take supplements while trying to become pregnant, throughout pregnancy and during breastfeeding. It can aid in healthy development of baby's brain, eyes and nervous system. Here are some of the benefits DHA may have for the child and mother.
1. A healthier pregnancy
Studies suggest that pregnant women who take DHA are less prone to preterm labor and postpartum depression.
2. Brain growth and development in the child
Some studies suggest that DHA intake by mothers has a positive effect on their child's cognitive and motor development. Researchers at the School of Paediatrics and Child Health in the University of Western Australia studied 98 pregnant women and found that mother who received high doses of fish oil in the second half of pregnancy had children who performed better in eye-hand coordination tests at the age of 2. In another study, this time conducted by University of Oslo in Norway, four year olds whose mothers took DHA supplements during pregnancy and while breastfeeding scored higher in IQ tests.
3. Visual development in the child
The Development of Peadiatrics at the University of British Columbia conducted a study of 167 pregnant women and found a possible positive relation between a mother's DHA consumption in the second and third trimester of the pregnancy and the visual acuity of their child early years.
4. May help prevent colds in your child
Findings from a study showed that women who took DHA supplements during pregnancy had their little ones with fewer colds, less fevers and coughing spells at the early age. In the study a group of 851 Mexican women were given 400 milligrams of DHA per day or a placebo, starting from weeks 18 to 22 of their pregnancy until childbirth. Their little ones get increased immunity, and have improved sleep petterns.
5. Increased birth weight
In a study involving 782 mother-child pairs conducted by Maastricht University in the Netherlands, researchers found a positive relation between DHA levels in mothers and a child's weight and head circumference.
- Sources from MamatoMama EnfaMama Club Vol 2/2012 -
Our bodies need Omega-3 fats to function properly but it can't make it. Adults get their supply of DHA from food and supplements. A child in the mother's womb get this essential fat from their mother while newborns get DHA from breastmilk or milk and baby formula fortified with DHA. Since the little ones in their mothers for nutrition, it is vital that expectant and breastfeeding women include ample amounts of DHA in their everyday diet.
Some of the good sources of DHA
DHA can be found in foods such as halibut, cod, sole, salmon, herring, sardines, eggs, meat, anchovies, walnuts and walnut oil. Another option is DHA supplements derived from fish oil or algae, with algae generally recommended as being gentler on the stomach. While fish are an excellent source of DHA, many doctors advise pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid fish because of the potential of contaminants such as mercury, which can have adverse effects on the health of the mother and unborn baby.
How does DHA benefit a mother during pregnancy?
DHA supplements can increase DHA levels in the mother's blood and breast milk. The little ones can get essential nutrition right from the beginning if mothers take supplements while trying to become pregnant, throughout pregnancy and during breastfeeding. It can aid in healthy development of baby's brain, eyes and nervous system. Here are some of the benefits DHA may have for the child and mother.
1. A healthier pregnancy
Studies suggest that pregnant women who take DHA are less prone to preterm labor and postpartum depression.
2. Brain growth and development in the child
Some studies suggest that DHA intake by mothers has a positive effect on their child's cognitive and motor development. Researchers at the School of Paediatrics and Child Health in the University of Western Australia studied 98 pregnant women and found that mother who received high doses of fish oil in the second half of pregnancy had children who performed better in eye-hand coordination tests at the age of 2. In another study, this time conducted by University of Oslo in Norway, four year olds whose mothers took DHA supplements during pregnancy and while breastfeeding scored higher in IQ tests.
3. Visual development in the child
The Development of Peadiatrics at the University of British Columbia conducted a study of 167 pregnant women and found a possible positive relation between a mother's DHA consumption in the second and third trimester of the pregnancy and the visual acuity of their child early years.
4. May help prevent colds in your child
Findings from a study showed that women who took DHA supplements during pregnancy had their little ones with fewer colds, less fevers and coughing spells at the early age. In the study a group of 851 Mexican women were given 400 milligrams of DHA per day or a placebo, starting from weeks 18 to 22 of their pregnancy until childbirth. Their little ones get increased immunity, and have improved sleep petterns.
5. Increased birth weight
In a study involving 782 mother-child pairs conducted by Maastricht University in the Netherlands, researchers found a positive relation between DHA levels in mothers and a child's weight and head circumference.
- Sources from MamatoMama EnfaMama Club Vol 2/2012 -
