DHA or Docosahexaenoic Acid is an omega-3 fatty acid that is an important structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, and the retina. The adequate health of these organs in the baby can be influenced the pregnant mother’s consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids.
If the mother consumes adequate amount of DHA during her pregnancy, it can a number of positive effects on the baby. Some of them are –
Development of Brain and Eyes
Nervous System Development
Prevention of Pre-Term Labour
Healthy Birth Weight of Baby
Improved Mood of The Mother During the Postpartum or Postnatal Period
Along with DHA, EPA or Eicosapentaenoic Acid is very important during pregnancy, as EPA helps transport the DHA into the baby’s cells. Additionally, EPA also mediates the DHA concentration across the placenta.
The Role of Prenatal DHA in Development of The Baby’s Brain
The brain of the baby begins to develop around 5 weeks of pregnancy, and continuous to develop through the trimesters. Some areas of the baby’s brain development benefit most from DHA, such as –
Cerebrum – The part of brain responsible for thinking, remembering as well as feeling
Cerebellum – The part of brain responsible for the motor control
Brain Stem – A crucial part of the brain responsible for keeping the body alive
The brain contains high fat content as well as many nerve connections, which require the support of DHA for various ongoing processes during pregnancy. The requirements for the Prenatal DHA peak around the third trimester, as the brain growth peaks during the third trimester. This makes Prenatal DHA an important part of pregnancy nutrition.
Prenatal Supplements for Prenatal DHA
Prenatal DHA is crucial for the adequate growth and development of the baby’s brain, nervous system, eyes, and for the prevention of pre-term birth and low birth weight.
Since DHA is found is optimal quantities in seafood, and in small amounts in dairy and fortified foods, supplementing your Pregnancy Nutrition with Prenatal DHA is important. The Pregnancy Multivitamin with DHA can provide you with required quantities of Prenatal DHA during pregnancy, to improve your baby’s development.
If you’re a vegetarian, look for Prenatal Vitamins with vegetarian omega-3s, such as those derived from deep sea algae and other vegetarian sources.
The Right Pregnancy Nutrition for A Healthy Mother and Healthy Baby
Ideal pregnancy nutrition consists of a well nourishing diet containing essential Multi Micronutrients, combined with a Prenatal Multivitamin to bridge any nutrient gaps that may exist for Pregnant ladies. Prenatal Vitamins that have been formulated according to the guidelines of WHO & ICMR, are cost-effective, contain essential Multi Micronutrients, and are made of good quality ingredients are the superior Antenatal Supplements. A good Prenatal Supplement can provide you with optimal Pregnancy Nutrition to prevent dangerous pregnancy complications such as Gestational Hypertension, Pre-Eclampsia, Gestational Diabetes, and Maternal Anaemia for the mother, and prevents Intra-Uterine Growth Restriction, ADHD, Pre-Term Birth, Low-Birth Weight, and Stillbirth for the baby. Prenatal Vitamins can improve pregnancy outcomes and enhance the health of the mother and baby throughout pregnancy and have a positive impact on their health in future.