Pregnancy and Birth

DHA in Pregnancy: Essential for Baby’s Brain Development

Did you know that there are key nutrients essential for your baby’s brain development? Many expecting mothers are not aware of these nutrients, and doctors often overlook this important topic. I only learned about them during the sixth month of my first pregnancy. That’s when I decided to research the information myself. I read books by top American doctors and reviewed scientific studies, finding strong evidence for the benefits of DHA. One could write an entire book on this topic. Today, I want to share with you what I’ve learned over the past few years. My goal is to make your pregnancy as informed and joyful an experience as possible.

Why is DHA so important during pregnancy?

One essential nutrient is DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. DHA plays a crucial role in the proper development of your baby’s brain and nervous system, particularly during the prenatal stage and in the early years of life.

Interestingly, DHA supplementation during pregnancy benefits not only the baby but also the mother. It may help reduce the risk of preterm labor and other complications. Let’s take a closer look at why DHA is so important, what scientific research reveals about its effectiveness, and how it supports your baby’s development at various stages.

DHA and Your Baby’s Brain Development

DHA is a key part that significantly impacts brain development in several ways:

  • Development of new brain cells: DHA supports the creation of new cells in the brain, critical during periods of rapid growth.
  • Strengthening neural connections: It enhances the connections between neurons, improving the brain’s ability to process information.
  • Boosting cell communication: DHA aids in the production of chemicals responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells, ensuring efficient brain function.
  • Overall brain function: DHA improves the brain’s communication and processing efficiency.

DHA Deficiency and Neurological Problems in Childhood

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) begins to accumulate intensely in fetal tissues starting from the 29th week of pregnancy and continues to do so until birth, with significant accumulation lasting through the first two years of a child’s life. Therefore, a deficiency of DHA during pregnancy can lead to neurological and cognitive disorders in the child later in life.

The significance of DHA for the development of a child’s brain cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that DHA supports neurogenesis, which is the process of forming new neurons, as well as the regeneration of existing nerve cells. In a child’s brain, DHA primarily accumulates in the prefrontal cortex, an area responsible for cognitive abilities such as problem-solving and memory.

The Key to Your Baby’s Intelligence Starts in the Womb

As Rebecca Fett highlights in her book Brain Health from Birth:

“For decades, governments have warned pregnant women that mercury in fish could harm their baby’s brain, but it turns out these warnings may have done more harm than good.”

Hearing these warnings, many women avoid eating fish, which is an excellent source of DHA. However, the lack of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, poses a far greater risk to brain development than the small amounts of mercury that may be present in fish.

Lack of DHA During Pregnancy Lowers IQ in Children

Research has shown a connection between DHA intake during pregnancy and higher IQ levels in children. A study published in The Lancet in 2007 examined nearly 12,000 pregnant women and tracked their seafood consumption. The study evaluated their children’s cognitive development from 6 months to 8 years of age. It found that children of mothers with low seafood intake scored lower on IQ tests and displayed weaker communication and social skills.

In another study, children whose mothers supplemented with 1,200 mg of DHA during pregnancy demonstrated better problem-solving abilities by the age of 4. Similarly, research conducted in Norway in 2018 revealed that higher maternal DHA levels were linked to improved cognitive outcomes in infants at 12 months old.

DHA and Its Impact on Language and Memory

Many scientific studies confirm that DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) plays a crucial role in the development of a baby’s brain and nervous system, even during prenatal stages. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are essential during the third trimester of pregnancy, a period characterized by rapid brain growth.

Research shows that supplementing with 400 mg of DHA during pregnancy can positively influence children’s language skills. It also supports short-term memory development in children aged 5 to 6 years. Notably, these children tend to show better social skills and lower levels of impulsivity.

Furthermore, a diet rich in DHA has been found to benefit children from low-income families. Prenatal DHA supplementation significantly reduces the risk of lower IQ scores in their children.

Moreover, a 2020 study revealed that taking 500 mg of DHA during pregnancy enhances cognitive development in children by the age of 5.5 years.

International research conducted across 28 countries revealed interesting results: children whose mothers had higher DHA levels during pregnancy performed better on mathematics tests. These findings emphasize the significant effect of prenatal DHA supplementation on cognitive abilities.

DHA and Protection Against Developmental Disorders

Research on the effects of DHA on children’s behavior shows positive results. Children whose mothers supplemented with DHA during pregnancy exhibited less impulsivity and better social skills. Other studies have indicated that DHA supplementation can help protect children from developing disorders such as ADHD and ASD (autism spectrum disorder).

DHA and Vision Development

DHA also plays a vital role in visual development. It is a major part of the retina, enhancing visual sharpness and coordination. Research has shown that higher DHA levels in breast milk improve newborns’ vision and motor skills.

A 2008 study showed that higher DHA levels in breast milk support the development of newborns’ vision. DHA plays a crucial role in the formation of the retina, improving visual acuity and eye-hand coordination. This, in turn, positively affects the development of the child’s motor skills.

Moreover, the same article described a meta-analysis of seven studies, which showed that DHA in formula milk improved visual acuity in 4-month-old children.

A 2020 publication stated that consuming 2200 mg of DHA daily from the 20th week of pregnancy improved children’s visual abilities. This intake also improved their coordination skills. Additionally, higher DHA levels in plasma and breast milk positively influenced both brain development and the newborn’s vision.

Lastly, women who took 600 mg of DHA during pregnancy from before the 20th week until delivery noticed a significant increase in visual sharpness, particularly in newborn boys.

DHA and Reducing Pregnancy Risks

Studies show that low levels of DHA in the diet of pregnant women increase the risk of preterm birth. The ADORE study in the USA found that daily supplementation of 1000 mg of DHA reduced this risk by 65% compared to a 200 mg dose. This clearly emphasizes the importance of adequate DHA levels during pregnancy.

Furthermore, a 2013 study found that supplementing with 600 mg of DHA in the second half of pregnancy extended its duration. Babies born to mothers who supplemented with DHA also had larger birth sizes.

Risk of preterm birth? Reach for more DHA.

The Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians recommends that all pregnant women consume at least 200 mg of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) daily. For women at risk of preterm birth, a daily intake of 1000 mg of DHA is advised. Additionally, an increased dose is recommended for women who do not regularly consume omega-3-rich fish, which applies to many individuals.

DHA can be obtained from supplements or through a diet that includes fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, or sardines. While prenatal vitamins containing DHA are currently available, the amount of this nutrient in these vitamins is often quite low. Research has indicated that higher doses, such as 1000 mg or even 2000 mg, are safe and more effective than smaller amounts.

How DHA Can Protect You and Your Baby: Remarkable Benefits

.The benefits of DHA supplementation extend beyond the child. High DHA intake can protect mothers from complications, including premature rupture of membranes, pyelonephritis, and chorioamnionitis (infection of the amniotic membranes). Studies have shown that higher doses of DHA (1000 mg/day) are linked to a lower number of serious adverse events during pregnancy.

Additionally, DHA supports the mother’s immune system. It reduces inflammation and helps keep hormonal balance, which is important for the healthy progression of pregnancy.

Facts About DHA: The Key to Healthy Child Development

In summary, the scientific studies mentioned above showed that DHA supplementation during pregnancy improved:

  • The duration of pregnancy
  • Birth size
  • Visual coordination of children at the age of 2.5 years
  • Cognitive development of children at the age of 5.5 years
  • MRI results of newborns showed a link between DHA and brain volume
  • Maternal DHA correlates with the development of language skills and short-term memory in children at the age of 5
  • Birth size and head circumference at birth
  • Attention in preschool children (5 years old)
  • Cognitive behavior of children from 10 months to 6 years old
  • Visual attention
  • Intellectual processing results at the age of 4 and 7 years
  • Basic neurodevelopmental outcomes in children aged 4-6 months

Final Thoughts

DHA is a super nutrient that offers incredible benefits for both moms and their little ones! It plays a crucial role in brain and vision development, and it can even help lower pregnancy risks. Its importance really can’t be overstated!

I’d love to hear your thoughts—have you tried DHA supplements? Share your experiences or ask any questions you have so we can build a supportive community together!

Interested in my top picks for DHA supplements? It will be in the next post! And don’t forget to follow my Facebook page and X for all the latest updates and posts. Let’s stay connected!

Sources:

Lily Nichols „Real Foods for Pregnancy”

Rebecca Fett „Brain Health from birth”

DHA supplementation and pregnancy outcomes – PubMed

Higher dose docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during pregnancy and early preterm birth: A randomised, double-blind, adaptive-design superiority trial – eClinicalMedicine (thelancet.com)

Omega-3 fatty acid supply in pregnancy for risk reduction of preterm and early preterm birth – PubMed (nih.gov)

Omega-3 fatty acid supply in pregnancy for risk reduction of preterm and early preterm birth – American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM (ajogmfm.org)

Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Status during Pregnancy and Its Impact on Infant Neurodevelopment – PMC (nih.gov)

Maternal DHA Status during Pregnancy Has a Positive Impact on Infant Problem Solving: A Norwegian Prospective Observation Study – PMC (nih.gov)

Docosahexaenoic acid dietary supplementation enhances the effects of exercise on synaptic plasticity and cognition – PubMed (nih.gov)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): An essential nutrient and a nutraceutical for brain health and diseases – PMC (nih.gov)

(PDF) Cognitive assessment of children at age 2½ years after maternal fish oil supplementation in pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial (researchgate.net)

Maternal supplementation with very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation augments children’s IQ at 4 years of age – PubMed (nih.gov)

Welcome to my blog! My name is Emilia. I live in Watford, UK, with my husband Simon and our two sons. My journey into motherhood began in my late thirties, and my first pregnancy was high-risk. This experience led me to explore the topic in depth and seek reliable knowledge about health during pregnancy. On a daily basis, I am passionate about healthy cooking, analyzing scientific research, and creating natural cosmetics. I have completed Organic Skincare Formulation at the leading school Formula Botanica, and I am currently studying health coaching at the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) in London.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *