Getting enough DHA (an essential Omega-3 fatty acid found in fish) during pregnancy provides nutrition for the baby’s growing immune and nervous systems. It is especially important for mom to get enough DHA during the last trimester of pregnancy because that is when the baby’s eyes and brain are rapidly developing. The baby’s need for DHA is so strong that it will deplete mom of DHA if mom’s supply is low 😱
DHA may also help to support mood balance. Low maternal DHA upon birth has been associated with increased risk of postpartum mood disturbances. This is especially problematic for mothers who intend to breastfeed since DHA deficiency will be reflected in their milk.
Eating 8-12 ounces of seafood per week when pregnant can improve baby’s IQ, cognitive development, and eye health. Babies from moms who ate seafood twice a week were observed to have greater IQ by 5.8 points (source: World Health Organization and Foods and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).
For mother’s who are concerned about eating seafood, @wileysfinest offers fish oil supplements carefully purified to be safe from micro contaminants like mercury****
