Omega 3 during pregnancy: everything you need to know

We get quite a few questions about Omega 3 during pregnancy. Many of these questions revolve around safety and benefits for the unborn child. In this article we discuss Omega 3 during pregnancy: what you need to know.

Getting the right nutrients in the right dosage is something many mothers-to-be are very concerned about. An important nutrient is Omega 3 DHA. During fetal development, Omega 3 DHA accumulates in specific tissues where it is needed at birth, ie the brain, eyes and liver. Once the little one is born, DHA remains important for a healthy immune system and good vision.

Omega 3 DHA can be found in certain foods, such as oily fish, but many people may not get the right amounts, especially during pregnancy. For this reason, doctors often recommend that women take a pregnancy test before, during and after pregnancy Omega 3 DHA Supplement to take.

A nice side effect is that Omega 3 DHA is not only good and useful for the baby, but also for mom! Research shows that Omega 3 DHA can help improve depressive moods and/or depression in the perinatal period (late pregnancy to early postpartum).

Why is Omega 3 important during pregnancy?

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that plays an important role in the human body. To be specific, your brain, eyes and skin need the right levels of DHA for optimal health.

Unfortunately, your body cannot make DHA in large amounts, so dietary sources or supplements are often recommended during pregnancy.

Research shows that DHA during pregnancy helps with the following with a growing baby:

• brain development
• eye development
• development of the nervous system

Adequate intake of DHA can also help with:

• prevent early birth
• make sure your baby is at a healthy weight
• support the mother's mood during the maternity period

Van de omega-3 fatty acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are said to provide the most health benefits. However, DHA is the most important fatty acid when it comes to the development of the brain and cognitive abilities of your unborn child.

What Does Omega 3 Do During Each Trimester?

A baby's brain starts developing around week five (in the first trimester). From there, it's an ongoing process throughout pregnancy (and beyond).

The human brain has a high fat content and many nerve connections. Omega 3 is great because it helps to support these ongoing processes during pregnancy.

Third trimester

It is especially important to consume dietary sources of DHA and/or some additional DHAsupplements if you are not getting enough Omega 3 from your diet in the third trimester. In the third trimester, the baby's brain growth is at its peak and therefore needs the DHA to develop.

How Much Omega 3 Do You Need During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women should aim to take at least 200 mg per day before, during and after pregnancy.

How can I get more Omega 3 in my diet?

Omega 3 supplements are a great addition to your diet when you are pregnant. However, you can also meet the recommended daily intake by adding dietary sources of omega 3.

Some fish such as salmon, herring and sardines contain a lot of Omega 3. However, keep in mind that these fish get their Omega 3 from the algae they eat. So if you're smart, cut out the "fish" and go straight for a vegan source like algae omega 3 capsules.

So if you're smart, cut out the "fish" and go straight for a vegan source like algae omega 3 capsules.

Do I need an Omega 3 supplement during my pregnancy?

Many experts recommend that pregnant women take a Omega 3 Supplement to add to their daily routine. This is especially true if you're not getting the right amount of Omega 3 from your regular diet.

It is highly recommended that women planning to conceive start taking prenatal vitamins and Omega 3 at least three months before becoming pregnant so that the fetus receives the health benefits once your pregnancy test is positive.

The conclusion

Including an Omega 3 supplement high in DHA in your daily routine is safe and beneficial during pregnancy. Aim for a minimum of 200 mg of DHA daily, either from your diet or from a supplement. Since fish get their Omega 3s from algae, it is highly recommended to take an Omega 3 supplement that is vegan and made from algae. This not only ensures that you do not get unnecessary toxic substances in your body. It is also good for the environment and prevents global overfishing. If you want to know more about vegan omega 3 you can read this blog post.

* Before taking any supplement during pregnancy, we recommend that you consult your doctor. This can help determine if the supplement you want to use is safe for you and your baby. After all, the health of yourself and your baby is the most important.

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