Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are very important for pregnant and breastfeeding women. One omega-3 fatty acid in particular called DHA is considered essential for the optimal development of an infant's brain and eyes, both during pregnancy and after birth. In addition, DHA may help prevent preterm labor and may help protect against postpartum depression.
During pregnancy, your baby receives DHA from you through the placenta. Transfer of DHA from mom to baby is greatest during the third trimester, a period of rapid development for the brain and nervous system. After birth, breastfed infants continue to receive DHA through their mother's milk.
The potential benefits of a diet rich in DHA during pregnancy and while breastfeeding have been under investigation for many years. Studies comparing infants born prematurely with full-term infants have found that preterm infants tend to have lower DHA levels as well as delayed visual and cognitive development. Other studies looking at breastfed babies versus formula-fed babies (most formulas do not contain DHA) have found that breast-fed infants tend to have better visual acuity early in life.
DHA supplements are widely available. Some brands though, such as Nutrition for Two's Vitrel-3, claim their active ingredient is "cervonic acid." Cervonic acid is simply another name for DHA. These companies use the different name though to charge you twice as much for the same product.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to pay special attention to their diets to ensure an adequate consumption of foods rich in DHA. It is never too early to start helping your baby's eyesight develop properly.
Cold-water fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel and whitefish, are our best dietary sources of DHA. Indiscriminate consumption of fish, however, is not recommended for pregnant women. This is because many of our streams and oceans are contaminated with mercury, which can be harmful to a developing nervous system. While nearly all fish contain trace amounts of mercury, long-lived, larger fish that feed on other fish accumulate the highest levels and pose the greatest risk to people who eat them regularly. For these reasons, the Food and Drug Administration recommends that pregnant women or those thinking of becoming pregnant avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. The FDA has determined that up to 12 ounces per week (3 ounces is a normal serving size) of other cooked fish is safe for pregnant and nursing women. A good substitute for women who choose not to eat fish are DHA-enriched eggs now available in many stores.
For the infant, breast milk is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, including DHA. While infant formulas supplemented with DHA and AA have been available for several years in countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and Latin America, they have not been allowed in infant formulas sold in the United States until recently. Currently, there are two brands of infant formula on the market in the United States that are supplemented with DHA and these can cost 10 percent to 20 percent more than regular formulas.
Important notice: The BabiesOnline.com site is for educational purposes only, and presents information of a general nature. This is not medical advice. If you are concerned about your health or the health of a family member or have questions about whether or not you are pregnant, please consult with a healthcare professional. This information is not a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. BabiesOnline accepts no responsibility for damages resulting from the use of this information and make no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, including but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. This information is provided as is, and you, its user, assume all risks when using it.
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