Pregnant and breastfeeding women may not get enough of a key nutrient needed for child development. Many women understand the dietary benefits of folic acid and calcium with vitamin D, but some could be missing DHA Omega-3, a fatty acid found in fish and a nutrient important for a baby's development.
DHA Omega-3 aids in the growth of a baby's brain, heart and eyes. Consumption of this nutrient also lowers the risk of pre-term birth and postpartum depression. Sixty-eight percent of women say their doctor has never told them about DHA, according to a Kelton Research survey sponsored by the Society for Women's Health Research in Washington, D.C. The survey reveals 72 percent of women have no clue how to include DHA in their diet.
Cold-water oily fish, like mackerel, herring, and salmon, are the best sources of DHA. This can be problematic for pregnant women because some seafood contains mercury and other contaminants harmful to nervous system development in unborn infants. Women can eat certain types of eggs, soymilk, nutrition bars, and other foods supplemented with algal-based DHA to avoid consuming too much mercury while still getting the DHA benefits. Experts recommend consumption of 300 milligrams of DHA per day for expectant and new mothers.
More information on the recommended nutrition for pregnant women is on the Society for Women's Health Research website,
Society for Women's Health Research: Striving to Improve the Health of All Women.
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