Omega-3 fatty acids are a crucial nutrient during pregnancy. It helps in the development and growth of the baby during pregnancy. DHA is a key element of the brain cell membranes and is essential for neural growth, cognitive function and the formation of synapses. As the foetus grows, the demand for Omega-3 fatty acids increases during pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acid is essential for the development of the baby’s eyes, brain and nervous system.
In this blog, let’s discuss the signs of omega-3 deficiency in pregnancy, low omega-3 effects on the baby and how DHA supplements for pregnancy can be helpful.
Why is Omega-3 crucial during pregnancy?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for foetal growth and development. They facilitate brain and eye development, prevent preterm birth and ensure a healthy birth weight. Despite these benefits, many pregnant women do not get enough omega-3 through food alone, which results in Omega-3 deficiency during pregnancy.
Low Omega-3 Effects on Baby
The brain of a baby starts to develop during early pregnancy, and omega-3 is essential in this process. Low omega-3 effects on the baby are as follows:
- Cognitive Delays – The omega-3 deficiency during pregnancy can affect the cognitive development of the baby, which can lead to learning disorders in the future.
- Poor Visual Development – Omega-3 also helps in retina development. Low omega-3 levels can have severe impacts on the baby by affecting his vision.
- Greater Chance of Premature Birth – Research indicates that improper levels of omega-3 fatty acids may lead to the chances of causing preterm birth, potentially leading to medical complications.
- Weaken Immunity – Omega-3 fatty acids also support a child’s immunity. Inadequate omega-3 intake may increase the risk of infection in the newborn baby.
Signs of Omega-3 Deficiency in pregnancy
There are some symptoms that indicate omega-3 deficiency-
- Mood swings and depression- Lack of omega-3 can lead to postpartum depression.
- Dry and flaky skin- Omega-3 is essential to maintain skin hydration. Its deficiency can damage the skin.
- Omega-3 deficiency can lead to high level of inflammations in the body.
- High BP- Omega-3 reduces risk of hypertension during pregnancy.
How DHA supplements for pregnancy are beneficial?
Since the body cannot make omega-3 on its own, the need for the supplement arises. DHA supplements for pregnancy offer various advantages for the mother and the baby. Some of these are-
- Healthy pregnancy- Omega-3 fatty acid helps reduce body inflammation, improving immune function and cardiovascular health during pregnancy.
- Foetal Growth- Omega-3 s particularly DHA plays a crucial role in the development of the baby’s brain, nervous system and eyes. It helps in foetal growth.
- Reduces risk of postpartum depression- Postpartum depression is very common during pregnancy. According to some studies, Omega-3 DHA supplements can minimise these effects.
- Supports maternal health- Sufficient DHA during pregnancy can benefit the mother and the foetus, as it reduces inflammation and lowers the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and postpartum depression. DHA supplement intake during pregnancy promotes maternal health.
Choose Trimacare- A 100% vegetarian pregnancy vitamin ideal for all women!
Trimacare prenatal tablets provide a 100% vegetarian omega-3 supplement formulated to cater for all pregnancy needs. It has an ideal 2:3 ratio of EPA: DHA, essential for maternal and foetal wellbeing. If a pregnant woman is following a vegetarian diet or is allergic to fish oil, Trimacare prenatal vitamins are trusted algae-based omega-3 tablets. Trimacare prenatal pill with DHA does not have fishy smells or burps, unlike other supplements.
Conclusion
The right intake of omega-3 is essential for pregnant women. Omega-3 deficiency during pregnancy can lead to several pregnancy complications. A low omega-3 level can have a great effect on the baby’s cognitive and visual development. Therefore, DHA supplements for pregnancy can fill the increased nutritional gap, providing a healthy pregnancy and a healthy beginning for your baby.