Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is one of the types of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of nutrients that have different health benefits. DHA use during pregnancy and supplementation is effective in healthy fetus growth.This essential fat is involved in fetal growth. Research shows that the risk of being born premature infants can be reduced by DHA supplement. This supplement is useful not only for the baby but also for mothers.
A study in 2020 showed that DHA can help improve depression during pregnancy (late pregnancy to early postpartum).
Health Benefits DHA During Pregnancy
Eating all forms of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA-DHA) is essential for health, especially during pregnancy.
Since the body cannot naturally produce these substances, people should consume omega-3 fatty acids through foods or supplements during pregnancy.
DHA uses in pregnancy is also essential for things like healthy eye growth, nervous system, and the brain. According to some research, DHA use is effective in helping visual and cognitive functions.
Fatty acids during pregnancy are associated with a decrease in the risk of preterm delivery. In addition, according to research, DHA use has benefits such as improved fertility and egg health for pregnancy.
DHA supplements also have benefits for pregnant people. According to one study in 2020, these supplements are accompanied by a resting in late pregnancy and postpartum.
DHA makes a healthy body
DHA is a non-saturated polymer fatty acid (PUFA) that is important for the construction of soft and flexible cell membranes and responsive and facilitating healthy immune reactions throughout the life.
During the growth of the fetus, DHA is immediately accumulated in certain tissues such as the brain, the eye, the liver, the azdiposis (adipose tissue), and the skeletal muscle. When the baby is born, DHA is important for eye and visual health, cognition, and the immune system. According to statistics, pregnant mothers with high DHA have longer pregnancies and less preterm birth. The infants of these mothers are more weighty and their visual growth and recognition are very high.
DHA in the last 3 months of pregnancy
DHA accumulates in the growing baby, especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy. From weeks 35 to 40 of pregnancy, fetal weight increases by 45 %. During the same period, the storage of DHA reaches 840 %. From weeks 35 to 40 of pregnancy, DHA accumulates 450 % in skeletal muscle, 570 % in the brain, 680 % in the liver, and 840 % in adipose tissue.
When the absorption of DHA in the fetus is rising, the same DHA is excreted from the mother. If the mother has a small DHA, this increase in the need for DHA in the last minutes puts her at risk of deficiency, which can lead to serious problems and diseases. Reducing DHA levels in pregnant mother is associated with the risk of postpartum mood disorders. This causes problems for mothers who tend to breastfeed because DHA deficiency affects their milk and can expose the baby to DHA deficiency. It is very difficult to determine the amount of DHA reserves in the child (according to studies on 1-2 months animals). The researchers were able to predict DHA deficiency in 2 -month -old neonates based on the level of vision. Babies who had DHA deficiency in two months were less able to learn the language at the age of 18.
The good news is that mothers who consume more DHA for the last few weeks of pregnancy are giving birth to a higher DHA level. This means that it’s never too late to consume DHA.
Conclusion
By consuming adequate DHA, an omega 3, during pregnancy, healthy fetus can be helped. These supplements also have the benefits for the individual and their spirit.
Also, talk to your doctor about other medications and supplements used before taking DHA to prevent drug interference.
