Nutrition matters during pregnancy. From the folic acid in your prenatal vitamin to avoiding fish that might contain mercury, there are plenty of important food and nutrition decisions to make while you’re pregnant. One of the most important things you can look into is the question of Omega-3 fatty acids and pregnancy.
There are a number of important ways in which the Omega-3 fatty acids for pregnancy will help you out during those nine months. This nutrient is integral to helping develop your baby’s nervous system. It also contributes to the development of the retina. One of the most important reasons to get enough Omega-3 fatty acids for pregnancy is to make sure that your baby’s growth and development move along as best as it can.
This is one of the nutrients, however, that many women seem to lack. According to studies, as much as 85 percent of women don’t get enough Omega-3 fatty acids for pregnancy. The statistics are even more staggering for pregnant women, as only about two percent are getting enough. Experts suggest that this situation has been, at least in part, caused by the decline of using omega-3 oils in our cooking as well as the decline in consumption of oil-rich fish like salmon.
There are several types of Omega-3 fatty acids. There are DHA fatty acids, EPA fatty acids, and DPA fatty acids. Deficiencies of these important Omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy have been shown to contribute to premature birth, as well as low birth weight.
The best Omega-3 fatty acids for pregnancy are DHA. It’s especially important for you to get enough of these during the third trimester. At that point of your pregnancy, your body is using those DHA Omega-3 fatty acids to help develop your baby’s brain. It’s critical that you get enough of this nutrient at that time.
There are a number of nutritional supplements that you can buy over the counter that contain Omega-3 fatty acids. As always, check with your doctor before starting any supplement to make sure that it’s safe and healthy for you to use during your pregnancy.
