Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most beautiful and profound experiences of life. It's a journey filled with hope, anticipation, and a deep desire to ensure the health and well-being of the human being growing inside. That's where prenatal DHA and Omega-3 come into play for their vital role in supporting a healthy pregnancy.

Omega-3 fatty acids offer numerous benefits for both maternal and fetal health.

For a quick snapshot of omega-3's importance, DHA is a crucial building block of the brain and eyes. A baby in the womb needs DHA from the mother to support the structural development of their brain, eyes, and nervous system—highlighting why adequate DHA intake is crucial. Omega-3s in pregnancy also support the mother's cardiovascular health and cognitive function.

With the importance of DHA and Omega-3 during pregnancy, it's crucial to incorporate the right sources of these nutrients into your diet or consider supplementation to support optimal health for both you and your growing baby.

In this article, we will explore the importance of prenatal DHA, the multifaceted role of omega 3 in pregnancy, and how they can be integrated into your pregnancy journey for the best outcomes.

Before we dive deeper into the world of prenatal DHA, it's essential to understand the essence of DHA and its critical role in the human body.

Omega-3 fatty acids encompass a group of polyunsaturated fats that offer various health benefits. Among these, DHA stands out as a key player during pregnancy and all stages of life.

Docosahexaenoic acid, commonly known as DHA, is a long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid that is a crucial component of cell membranes—especially in the brain, eyes, and nervous system cells.

DHA is found abundantly in the membranes of brain cells, retinal (eyes) cells, and other neural tissues. It's estimated that DHA makes up over 90% of the omega-3 fatty acids and 25% of the total fat content in the brain [1] [2].

DHA is also involved in numerous physiological processes—especially with regard to supporting brain function and visual acuity. The essential fatty acid helps stimulate neurotransmitters, support a healthy inflammatory response, and promote healthy gene expression and membrane fluidity.

In adults, DHA helps promote brain function, including cognition, learning, and memory [3]. It also supports positive mood, heart health, immune function, and vision—which is why adequate intake of omega 3 for women is crucial during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, DHA supports the baby's developing brain, nervous system, and vision [1]. It aids in the healthy growth and development of the fetus, making it an essential nutrient for expectant mothers.

However, research estimates that up to 95% of pregnant women do not get adequate levels of omega-3s (specifically DHA) from their regular diet [4]. This can negatively impact the baby's brain, eye, and nervous system maturation.

Taking a high-quality prenatal DHA supplement is an evidence-based way for mothers to help ensure their babies get enough of this essential fatty acid during critical developmental periods.

DHA supplementation during pregnancy can support optimal wellness for both mother and child—especially when paired with a healthy diet, exercise, and good prenatal care.

Throughout pregnancy, prioritizing the optimal development of the baby stands as a paramount concern. A key player in this crucial journey is omega-3 fatty acids. In particular, DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) plays a crucial role in supporting the healthy development of the baby during the prenatal period.

According to a 2021 study titled "Special Issue: Maternal DHA Impact on Child Neurodevelopment," DHA is critically required for the structure and development of the growing fetal brain [5]. The researcher also pointed out that DHA accumulation in the developing baby's brain is mainly influenced by maternal dietary intake.

DHA is selectively transferred from mother to baby across the placenta during pregnancy and via breast milk after birth to support the healthy growth and development of the baby. Its accumulation in the fetal brain accelerates dramatically during the last trimester of pregnancy [6]. This rapid DHA deposition continues with exponential brain growth during the first two years of life.

So, what's the significance of Omega-3 and DHA for the baby's development?

Related: DHA, Baby Formula, Mothers, Child Brain Development and IQ

Omega-3s, particularly DHA, are like building blocks for the baby's developing brain. DHA is abundant in the brain and profoundly influences its structure and function.

DHA is essential for the development and function of the fetal brain, eyes, and nervous system. Multiple studies show that higher maternal DHA intake supports brain health and promotes positive cognitive outcomes, including IQ, focus, problem-solving, language development, and motor skills [3]. These cognitive benefits persist into school-age years, adolescence, and throughout life.

DHA supports brain health by stimulating neural growth, synaptic plasticity, and efficient neurotransmission. It also promotes membrane fluidity and receptor function in brain cells.

These effects support healthy development of the complex neural circuitry underlying cognition, learning, memory, and overall nervous system function—underscoring the importance of prenatal DHA in supporting a child's intellectual development.

DHA comprises around 50% of the fatty acids in the rod outer segments of the eyes [7]. It is then selectively incorporated into retinal photoreceptor membranes during fetal development.

Omega-3s during pregnancy promote the structural and functional maturation of the visual system [8].

Specifically, prenatal DHA supports the development of photoreceptor cells, visual acuity, and healthy vision. It encourages the conversion of retinol to retinal and rhodopsin – the photopigment essential for visual transduction [9]. It also supports neurogenesis in the developing visual cortex.

During pregnancy, an expecting mother's cardiac output will increase by 30-50% [10]. Supplementing with a high-quality source of DHA during pregnancy promotes the cardiovascular adaptations needed to meet these higher demands placed on the heart and overall cardiovascular system.

A healthy heart is not only essential for the mother but also for the growing baby—ensuring a steady flow of oxygen and nutrients to support development.

Omega-3s for pregnant women help in supporting healthy blood flow, blood vessel elasticity, and cholesterol levels [11] [12] [13] [14]. These effects collectively promote heart health, which is vital for women during and after pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a time of immense physical and emotional changes. Omega-3, including DHA, can contribute to nurturing emotional well-being. Research has suggested that omega-3s for women can play a role in encouraging a positive mood and outlook.

DHA supports cognitive function by promoting memory, focus, and overall mental well-being. It also encourages a positive mood by supporting a healthy inflammatory response and stimulating hormones such as serotonin and dopamine [15] [16].

By maintaining a balanced emotional state, expectant mothers can experience a smoother and more fulfilling pregnancy journey.

A balanced emotional state is not only beneficial for the mother but also for the developing baby—creating a nurturing and serene environment for healthy growth.

During pregnancy, the nutritional needs of both the mother and the developing baby are significantly increased. An adequate Omega-3 index, which measures the proportion of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood, is essential for promoting a healthy pregnancy.

However, achieving the recommended omega-3 index solely through dietary sources can be a significant challenge for most people. This brings us to an important question: Should you take a prenatal DHA omega-3 supplement? The simple answer is YES.

Read on for a more detailed reason as to why supplementation with omega-3s in pregnancy is important.

While it is possible to obtain Omega-3s from dietary sources like fatty fish, not everyone's diet provides an adequate amount. Moreover, some women may have dietary restrictions or preferences that limit their access to DHA-rich foods.

Research shows that around 95% of Americans have a deficient omega-3 index [4]. While the ideal range is 8-12%, most people have an omega-3 index of 4%.

Similarly, the typical American's weekly intake of DHA hovers at approximately 2,400 mg—which falls significantly short of the recommended 7,000-14,000 mg per week needed to maintain a healthy daily intake.

These figures underscore the prevalent issue of inadequate omega-3 intake, which can have adverse effects on health and overall well-being. Consequently, promoting strategies for increasing DHA and omega-3 intake for pregnant women is crucial.

Recognizing the alarming gap in DHA and omega-3 consumption, Ascent Nutrition's founder and CEO, Lance Schuttler, took the initiative and crafted " The DHA Regimen." This innovative approach offers a straightforward and easily understandable pathway to boost DHA levels—ultimately supporting overall well-being.

The DHA Regimen is free and is an informational guide that entails a daily consumption of 1,000-2,000 mg of omega-3s in your diet. It recommends DHA supplementation as an effective way to bridge the omega-3 nutritional gap—fostering better maternal and infant health outcomes.

Prenatal DHA supplements offer a practical and efficient way to ensure adequate intake, promoting optimal growth and development [17].

Whereas it would take around 6-11 servings of salmon (one of the most common dietary sources of omega-3s) per week to achieve the recommended DHA intake, supplements like Ascent Nutrition's Algae Oil DHA deliver 1000 mg DHA in as little as a 2.0 mL serving.

But remember that supplementing with prenatal DHA is just one aspect of a holistic approach to a healthy pregnancy. It is complemented by maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and managing stress.

A comprehensive approach ensures that the baby receives the necessary nutrients for optimal development.

When it comes to choosing the best source of Omega-3 in pregnancy, it's crucial to make informed decisions.

At Ascent Nutrition, we understand the unique nutritional needs of expectant mothers. Our Algae Oil DHA stands out as a premium choice for prenatal DHA supplementation. Here's why:

• Safety and Purity: Safety is paramount during pregnancy, and Ascent Nutrition takes this commitment seriously. The omega-3 is renowned for its stringent quality control measures, ensuring you receive a pure and potent source of DHA. It's free from contaminants, heavy metals, and other impurities, making it a safe and effective option for pregnant women. These results are proudly displayed, setting a new standard for transparency and peace of mind.

• Vegan-Friendly: Algae Oil DHA is a plant-based source of Omega-3, making it an excellent choice for mothers who follow vegan or vegetarian lifestyles.

• Unique Extraction: Ascent Nutrition's Algae Oil DHA uses a specific wild strain of algae that is water extracted to produce one of the cleanest, purest, and most concentrated DHA supplements.

• Potency: Algae-derived DHA has better bioavailability than fish oil DHA. Our Algae Oil DHA delivers 250% more Omega-3 than traditional fish oil per unit. This means you get more of the essential fatty acids that support the baby's brain and vision with every serving.

• Value for Money: What's equally remarkable is that this top-tier product is not only pure and potent but also sustainable and affordable. Ascent Nutrition's clean growing process ensures a minimal environmental footprint. This ethical and eco-friendly approach allows us to offer our Algae Oil DHA at a price that outshines other omega-3 supplements when you consider the amount of DHA per dollar. You get to provide the best for your baby's development without breaking the bank.

• A Refreshing Twist: Ascent Nutrition's Algae Oil DHA also offers a delightful twist with a refreshing cold-pressed, organic lemon peel oil as the flavor. This incredible flavor not only enhances the taste but also brings along its own set of health benefits from the cold-pressed organic lemon peels.

In summary, Ascent Nutrition's Algae Oil DHA is a symbol of purity, potency, and sustainability—ensuring that you receive the highest quality DHA for a healthy pregnancy and baby development.

Confidently embrace their journey into motherhood with the help of our Algae Oil DHA!