Omega 3 fatty acids are needed for proper development and functioning of the body. An adequate supply of them in the diet and supplementation is crucial for proper development of the child, maintains good condition of the heart, brain, immune or hormonal system in adults, protects people of old age from developing diseases of affluence. These fatty acids are also essential at the fetal development stage – which is exactly why omega 3 for pregnant women is a recommended supplement.

Omega 3 in pregnancy – why is it essential?

During pregnancy, the requirement for many nutrients increases. Omega 3 are one of them – these unsaturated fatty acids are essential for the development of the brain and the entire nervous system – after all, the brain consists in as much as 35% of omega 3 fatty acids. By consuming the right amounts of omega 3 during pregnancy, you provide your baby with a perfect start. It has been proven that children who were getting enough omega 3 during their fetal development have better memory, concentration skills and get better grades later in life. Such children are less likely to get diabetes, allergies or asthma as adults.

Omega 3 also condition the development and functioning of the cardiovascular, immune and hormonal system, they support eyesight and respiratory system. Omega 3 fatty acids are also essential for proper course of pregnancy – they decrease things like the risk of premature birth.

How much omega 3 do pregnant women need?

The recommended daily consumption of omega 3 is about 2 g. For pregnant women this requirement gets bigger. It is especially important to get the right amounts of the DHA acid. It’s a docosahexaenoic acid, essential for the body of the developing child. If the pregnant woman’s diet is full of fish, nuts, avocado, cold pressed oils – the recommended dosage is at least 200 mg of DHA. If the omega 3 supply in her diet isn’t high, however – the DHA dosage can be twice as big. After all, many pregnant women don’t want to consume fish due to fears of the contaminations accumulated in them, especially heavy metals; some other might be allergic to nuts. The safe dose is 1g of DHA daily.

Supplements with unsaturated fatty acids – fish oil or omega 3 in capsules should be used after consulting it with the doctor. If there are no contraindications – the doctor will surely recommend taking a supplement – for good health of the mom and the baby.