Early labor, or premature birth, is the leading cause of death in children under the age of five. It occurs when a baby is born before nine months gestation, meaning the baby is not fully done developing by the time he or she is born. Babies who are born prematurely can suffer from birth defects and other health issues that can negatively impact them for the rest of their lives. Luckily, studies show that increasing the amount of DHA consumed during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of premature birth.
As important as DHA is for babies, it is also important for mothers. Some studies show that consuming more fatty fish, which is rich in DHA, may reduce the risk of postpartum depression. So, how much DHA do you need to keep yourself and your growing baby healthy during pregnancy? The current recommendation is that all pregnant women get at least mg of DHA each day. DHA can be found in some but not all prenatal vitamins.
It is also naturally occurring in many foods. Tracking your fertility hormone concentrations and menstrual cycle symptoms with a digital fertility tracker like Mira can help you catch the early signs of pregnancy before the average pregnancy test. Thankfully, DHA can also be found naturally in many foods that are safe to consume during pregnancy.
Fish and seafood are rich in DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids. The Food and Drug Administration FDA recommends that pregnant women eat eight to 12 ounces, or two to three servings, of seafood each week. However, not all seafood is safe for women to eat when they are pregnant. Some varieties are high in mercury, which can damage the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system of your growing baby.
You should also avoid eating raw fish, such as sushi, when pregnant, which can also expose the fetus to mercury and other dangerous bacteria. The safest types of seafood for women to eat when they are pregnant are fully-cooked salmon, anchovies, herring, sardines, freshwater trout, and Pacific mackerel. These varieties are low in mercury and high in DHA, making them a healthy choice for you and your baby. Shrimp, pollock, tilapia, cod, catfish, and canned light tuna are also safe to eat when fully-cooked — but you should definitely make sure to limit your intake of white or albacore tuna and tuna steaks to six ounces or fewer per week, as these types of tuna are highest in mercury.
Many women are hesitant to eat eggs. For years, we were taught that eggs — and especially egg yolks — were not healthy because they are high in cholesterol. However, new evidence shows that the cholesterol found in eggs does not seem to raise cholesterol levels the same way that other high-cholesterol foods do. You will want to look for a type of egg known as an omega-3 egg.
These eggs are fortified with DHA by adding it to the feed of the chickens who lay the eggs, allowing you to get more nutritional benefit from these eggs. Oily fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA. These omega-3 fatty acids are thought to have an impact on certain traits such as emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and motor development. More research is necessary, but it seems like the most positive developmental results come from this combination of DHA and EPA.
Of course, development is a complex issue. One study resulted in babies getting sick less frequently in their first six months of life when DHA was taken in pregnancy. Results suggest that taking a prenatal vitamin with DHA can be beneficial. Keep in mind that factors in your life may be negatively impacting the proper development of your baby.
These include:. It has a demonstrable impact on communication and problem-solving skills as well as motor and cognitive development. Taking a prenatal with DHA seems to lower the risk of behavioral issues by improving communication skills.
More research is necessary to support all of these claims, but taking a supplement with DHA may also have the potential to:. Pumping shouldn't hurt. If your nipples are painful or sore, there are there are things you can do. Learn what to expect during your first prenatal visit. Some people turn to CBD to get relief from pregnancy symptoms, like nausea, anxiety, and insomnia. But is it safe? Here's what to know. Lying in is a practice where a pregnant person limits their movement before and after birth to reduce the risk of pregnancy or postpartum….
While evidence is lacking that a full moon during pregnancy can cause labor, it's a commonly held belief. Here are the facts. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. Why is DHA important during pregnancy? What does DHA do during each trimester? How much DHA do you need during pregnancy?
What can happen with a DHA deficiency? How can you get more DHA in your diet? Do I need a supplement? What to look for. Ritual Essential Prenatal. Nordic Naturals Algae Omega. One A Day Prenatal Advanced. The bottom line. These Tips Can Help.
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