DHA (docosahexoaenoic acid) is a beneficial omega-3 fatty acid that is found naturally within breastmilk. It is also added to infant formulas because it is believed to be an essential nutrient that helps assist in the brain and eye development in babies and young children. What many people may not realize is pregnant women should also be getting enough DHA as the fatty acid seems to assist with the healthy development of a child in utero.
DHA and Children's IQ
According to research results published in the January 2003 edition of Pediatrics journal, studies have shown that children who have an adequate supply of DHA in the womb and after birth have higher IQ scores. This seems to prove that DHA helps to improve brain development and might actually produce smarter babies when taken during pregnancy as well as added to infant's formula.
WebMD also added in an article posted on July 16, 2005 called Pregnant? Omega 3 Essential for Baby's Brain that babies whose mothers supplemented DHA while pregnant had exceedingly high attention spans up until the age of two years and were developmentally ahead of babies whose mothers who had not had an increased intake of DHA during pregnancy by about two months.
DHA Helps Prevent Preterm Labor
Research has shown that women who take DHA supplements during the last trimester of their pregnancy are more likely to carry their babies to term. The exact reasons for this are not known but the evidence of the power of Omega-3 fatty acids to help prevent preterm labor in many women is overwhelming.
Studies also show that babies born to mothers who have an increased intake of DHA during pregnancy tend to be longer, weigh more, and have a slight increase in head circumference.
DHA and Pospartum Depression
According to a 2002 Medscape article, studies have shown that women who have a higher intake of DHA in pregnancy are less likely to suffer from postpartum depression after giving birth. The reason is not yet known but the correlation is high.
DHA and Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins currently being marketed to pregnant women contain the right amounts of certain essential nutrients needed during pregnancy but are lacking DHA. Expectant mothers should take a seperate DHA supplement to get what they need, as well as eat a variety of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
As with all supplements, pregnant women should consult their OB/GYNs before beginning to take anything. Most doctors will agree however that DHA supplements are a safe and effective way to help babies and mothers stay strong and healthy during pregnancy.
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