The Importance of Omega-3s During Pregnancy

Pin for Later

Taking omega-3s during pregnancy is extremely important! As a matter of fact, I take omega supplements daily and it all began when I was pregnant for the first time.

Did you know that many moms and mom-to-be do not know about the importance of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish) during pregnancy and while breastfeeding?

I had different doctors for my pregnancies and both of them recommended DHA. There are many benefits of taking DHA during pregnancy and if you do not take it now (or maybe you do), I suggest you keep reading and learn why it is so important and why quality matters.

Fish Oil For Pregnancy
Did you know that many doctors do not ever mention DHA to their pregnant patients? As a matter of fact, over 2/3 of pregnant women say that their doctors never told them about DHA.

Unfortunately, we cannot produce DHA on our own and that is why it is vital to take prenatal DHA to support the healthy development of our babies and ourselves.

Why is DHA Important?
It is recommended that pregnant and lactating women take 300-600mg of DHA per day. DHA is important for babies, pregnant and lactating women because:

For babies:

– Supports normal physical and mental development
– Supports nervous system growth during the last trimester
– Supports the immune system
– Supports healthy brain and eye development
– Promotes optimal birth weight and gestation length

For moms:

– Supports a healthy pregnancy
– Supports the mood and nerves

Don’t Forget EPA
EPA (also an omega-3 found in fish) is important to take with DHA during pregnancy. EPA occurs naturally in nature along with DHA. EPA is a component of fish oil that supports the immune system, a positive mood, a healthy heart, joint mobility, healthy cell function and helps metabolize fat.

Be Aware of Fish Oil Quality
I have seen many fish oil supplements on the market and I’m sure you have to. But which one is best? And how do you know? Know the source, know the authenticity of the production process and the quality of the product. In my opinion, it is well worth it for the health of yourself and child/ren to go for the highest quality of everything.

Things to Think About:

– Is it pure? Does it contain mercury, lead or toxins?
– Is it fresh?
– How does it taste? Quality fish oil should not taste or smell fishy.
– Is it sustainable?
– What does the label say? Sometimes you can see right there on the label that there are additives or misleading information. It may say 1000 mg on the label, but may only contain a little bit of DHA. They are referring to the size of the supplement and not how much DHA it contains.

Why I Choose Nordic Naturals
Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA is the official omega-3 of the American Pregnancy Association. Nordic Naturals owns their entire production process (boat to bottle). They are pure, fresh, taste great, superior in triglyceride form (for optimal absorbtion), backed by research, contain at least 500mg of EPA+DHA, sustainable (wild-caught fish) and independently tested to guarantee purity, freshness and quality. You can even request a certificate of analysis to see for yourself. Cool stuff! Nordic Naturals also adds 400 I.U. of vitamin D3 to their prenatal DHA. Why? Because it is recommended we all take vitamin D3 since many of us are deficient in the US (including 91% of pregnant women). Their supplements do NOT contain toxins from fish or the environment.

Nordic Naturals Postnatal Omega-3 is a new product that I strongly recommend for postnatal care. It is the official postnatal omega-3 of the American Pregnancy Association. This ultra-concentrated omega-3 provides women and their babies with the postnatal nutritional support they need. This product contains a potent dose of both DHA and EPA which supports a positive mood and optimal fat metabolism. With added vitamin D3, it supports the mood and immune systems of both mom and baby.

They Benefit Others:
Currently, Nordic Naturals has started an initiative called “Buy One Bottle. Help Two Heros.” From October 1 – December 31, 2015, Nordic Naturals will be donating $30,000 to a nonprofit called Paws and Stripes and will supply a year’s worth of omega-3s to veterans and their service animals. So if you buy one bottle of their featured products, you are also helping pets and veterans! And this is not a new thing, as Nordic Naturals has been helping people, animals and the planet for years!

Nordic Naturals is the #1 fish oil in the United States. Check out their website to find all of their products which include fish oils, vitamin D, vitamins for children and babies, probiotics and more!

Also check out: The Benefits of Using an Exercise Ball During Pregnancy