Fish Oil for PREGNANCY

Is your Pregnancy diet missing this essential ingredient?

A fish oil supplement with raging amounts of DHA is part of preconception, antenatal and post-natal care, that should be discussed with you at your doctors, obstetrician and nutritional consultation.

What is DHA?

DHA (docosahexaenic acid) is an omega- 3 fatty acid that makes up approximately 20% of the human brain and nervous system. DHA is not produced by the body and MUST be obtained through diet and or supplementation.

Adding to this is an increased demand for Omega-3’s especially when pregnant. We have all seen the tv advertisements stating its incredible ability in reducing inflammation, however did you know that in pregnancy, breastfeeding, infants and children DHA plays particular important roles:

-       Normal physical and mental development of the fetus. DHA is transferred from the mother to the developing bub in the last trimester supporting the important fetal “nervous system growth spurt”

-       DHA provides mood and nerve support for pregnancy and nursing mothers, reducing the rates of post-partum depression

-       It also impacts long term mental and physical development of children. High levels of DHA is associated with reduced incidence of allergies and diabetes 1,2

Are you overlooking basic elements of prenatal care?

Recently a national survey was conducted and discovered that 2/3 of pregnant woman and mums said that their doctor never mentioned anything about DHA. 3

A woman’s demand for essential fatty acids, especially DHA increases substantially during pregnancy, and remains low for 9-12 months after delivery, unless her diet has been supplemented. To maintain optimal health in mums, babies and children, international experts recommend a minimum of 300mg of DHA per day. (I personally find this still on the lower end of what is needed and beneficial in pregnancy). 2

Did you know Omega- 3 Fish oil…..

-       is the safest source of essential fatty acids, DHA

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-       lowers the risk of postnatal disorders, such as depression

-       improves attention in infants and children

-       reduces the risk of allergies in infants

-       lowers the risk of child-onset diabetes

-       promotes healthy development of the fetal brain, eyes, nervous system and immune system

-       and has been show to improve intelligence markers in kids

Taking essential fatty acids high in omega 3 DHA is a very important part of prenatal care. Not only can it help with the above, but also when breastfeeding can provide some vital DHA to the infant through breastmilk.

Not all fish oil is created equally:

How to choose a supplement that is right for me?

Well it starts with a prenatal check up with your health care practitioner who can prescribe you an essential fatty acid supplement that is the best quality for you as a mum to be:

Purity; free from mercury, lead and other toxins,

Freshness: minimized oxidation and rancidity, and ensures no fishy aftertaste

Taste: a fish smell or taste is a sign of poorly manufactured fish oil.

Triglyceride form: ensures optimal absorption

Sustainability: environmentally responsible fishing protecting our seas.

Quality: ensures the fish oil you are getting meets and exceeds Australian standards, and hasn’t been sitting in giant tubs for a cheap price in the back of a warehouse.

Dose: ensuring you the correct dose for your individual needs

Not all fish oil is created equally; trust me when I say this, just because there is a special on at your local discount chemist, doesn’t always mean you are getting the best. During pregnancy we want to make sure you are getting the absolute best that covers all of the above targets.

To book an appointment with Shannon at the Mums and Bubs Nutritionist Clinic - click here