Omega 3 fatty acids, the ones obtained from fish, are required during pregnancy. In these fatty acids is a very important fat known as DHA, which is important for the development of the baby’s brain. Because of this reason, the significance of omega 3 in pregnancy cannot be overemphasized.
Omega 3 and pregnancy are also related by the fact that babies need omega 3 fats to develop fully in their early growing years. They are required for proper cell division, proper nerve transmission and also for the prevention of many diseases.
DHA is found abundantly in mother’s milk which suggests how important it is for the proper development of all systems of the body. Pregnant and lactating women are therefore strongly advised to increase their omega 3 intake by eating fish, consuming fish oil capsules or taking other foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, especially DHA.
It has not yet been established how much DHA a pregnant woman should consume on a daily basis. However, normal quantities are suggested and if their stomach allows, they should obtain maximum omega 3 fatty acids by eating a healthy diet. Salmon is particularly important for pregnant as well as lactating women.
If your doctor has suggested consuming fish oil capsules then buy only high-quality supplement products. Pharmaceutical grade fish oil is molecularly distilled which ensures that it is free from all impurities and toxins found in the oceans. 3 to 4 capsules daily should be sufficient to fulfill a day’s needs; however, it is strongly recommended that you also add nutritional food sources to your everyday diet.
There are many other benefits of consuming omega 3 fatty acids. They are not only good for the health of the baby during pregnancy, but are also required to prevent certain psychological illnesses common in both mother and the child.
Mothers often feel baby blues or postpartum depression after giving birth. This condition has been found to be linked with DHA deficiency in the body. Similarly, hyperactivity seen in growing children is also a cause of DHA deficiency. Therefore, doctors all over the world advocate the importance of omega 3 in pregnancy.
Have regular blood tests and physical checkups during pregnancy. Ensure that you are eating a well-balanced diet with vitamin and other nutritional supplements added for increasing the amounts of all important nutrients during pregnancy.
If you require omega 3 fish oil supplements during pregnancy, don’t forget to consult a doctor before buying a particular product.
By: John Collins
Posts Tagged ‘Giving Birth’
Women’s Health – Connection of Omega 3 and Pregnancy
March 2nd, 2010Health Tips During Pregnancy
December 26th, 2009
Pregnancy is the stage where a woman bears a child in her womb and has to take care of not only herself but also the baby within her. A woman’s body can be very delicate during this stage and thus the people around her needs to know what she needs and have to avoid. Some, because of their lifestyle, those who are down because of poverty, sometimes forgets the things they need to do during those nine months. Here’s a list of easy activities that doesn’t need too much money but definitely important for pregnant woman.
- Medical Check Ups
It is the most important for a pregnant woman to have her monthly check ups with an OB gynecologist. If not, “barangay” or city health centers offer free consultations. The gynecologist or the midwife/doctor will check you and your baby if you are in good conditions.
- Daily Vitamins
After a check up, the midwife will give the mother free vitamins for the baby’s development and also for herself as her body undergoes changes for the child’s growth. During pregnancy, women should always take in mind that she needs to be healthy in order for her child to be healthy as well. The right vitamins and supplements will always do the trick.
- Vaccines
While pregnant, women shouldn’t take any sort of medicine unless prescribed by a doctor. Some of the drugs can affect the child’s development mentally and physically. But there are vaccines such as Tetanus Toxoid as a preparation for giving birth. Infection might affect the mother or the child (like the Tetanus infection) during birth so just before that due date, the mother must have her complete shots of T. T. to protect herself and the baby. In case of wounds or any other complication, anti-tetanus serum e.g. Elisa Kits, etc. should also be given for faster protection. It also measures the mother’s protective status and thus, determines the proper treatment.
- Exercise
It is always good for the body; exercise helps your immune system to get stronger and a lot fitter, adjusting to the change due to pregnancy. It also prevents a lot of swelling at some parts of the body.
- Diet
Food is one of the most important factors when a woman’s pregnant. This is where she gets most of the nutrients and vitamins for her and her baby. Also, a balanced diet affects the nutrients that help the baby’s formation and development.
- Stress/Depression
These are the factors that a pregnant woman must avoid. Depression and stress affects the child’s mental development and might result into a complication after birth. It can also cause low blood pressure and might turn the mother unhealthy. As far as possible, a mother should be healthy not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.
Pregnancy can be risky but easy to handle with proper intelligence and information. Women should take care of themselves while pregnant for their child’s development, it is important that a child should be born healthy and perfectly well. Though always at home, there should always be enough caution and preparation even inside the house. Parents should always be prepared for anything and keep things in handy. Just like first aid kits (also like Elisa Test Kit ), emergency hotlines, and anything that could be used in times of unexpected events. “Prevention is better than cure” is always a sensible quote to keep in mind.
By: Lacey Cormier