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The Vital Role of Omega-3 in Pregnancy and Premature Baby Health



The Vital Role of Omega-3 in Pregnancy and Premature Baby Health

Recent scientific researchers have discovered that consuming omega-3s such as DHA and EPA has a positive effect on the visual and cognitive development of the baby. There is ongoing support for risk reduction as a key factor in preterm births to reduce health problems of the babies in their lifetime.

Born Too Soon 

There is an increase in early births in most countries worldwide. Fifteen million babies are born prematurely every year. This equates to more than 1 in 10 babies.


Furthermore, preterm birth is now the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5, with more than one million children dying each year due to problems associated with prematurity.


Premature babies can have an increased risk of developing significant health problems that can last a lifetime, including:

- Breathing problems

- Developmental issues and poor growth

- Learning and behavioural difficulties

- Visual and hearing impairments

- Increased risk of chronic disease later in life, such as high blood pressure and heart disease


Premature birth is responsible for 85% of all complications in early life. 

Omega-3 During Pregnancy 

Recent research shows omega-3s such as EPA and DHA can improve pregnancy outcomes. DHA is an essential nutrient for properly developing the baby’s brain, eyes, and immune system. During pregnancy, the baby’s only source of DHA while in the womb is directly from the mother. This is why pregnant women should add a sufficient amount of omega-3s into their diet.


Omega-3s can be consumed through food or supplements. It is recommended that taking between 500-1000mg of omega-3s daily can show positive outcomes in pregnancy and also reduce preterm births.


A study of 20,000 pregnant women showed the following:

- 42% less risk of early preterm birth (<34 weeks)

- 11% less risk of preterm birth (<37 weeks) 

- 10% less risk of low birth weight (<5.5lb or <2.5kg)


Furthermore, Pregnant women with DHA levels less than 3% were 10x more likely to have early preterm birth compared to women with higher DHA levels.


Note: “Early preterm birth is less likely in women with higher Parental DHA levels.”


Benefits of Omega-3's for Baby and Mum After Birth 

The benefits of omega-3s especially DHA for the baby and the mum during pregnancy are evident through the study conducted by 20,000 pregnant women, but what about after the birth?

A study showed that babies from mums who had higher DHA levels during pregnancy had better problem solving skills at the age of 1.

Furthermore, women with DHA levels less than 5% during pregnancy had lower postpartum depression scores.

Note: “Higher DHA levels during pregnancy provide benefits throughout childhood.”

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The underlying message throughout the studies and research shows the positive correlation between omega-3 consumption during pregnancy and post-pregnancy. Omega-3 consumption reduces the risk of preterm births significantly meaning that it reduces complications for the baby in its earlier life. Consuming omega-3 while pregnant can be a logical choice for all mothers.

Omega-3s are readily available in our everyday seafood such as fish (*Please be aware that marine animal-based omega-3s are different to plant-based omega-3s. Plant-based omega-3s do not have the same benefits). If you do not wish to increase seafood in your diet, supplements with a rich source of omega-3s would be a great choice. These supplements include; mussel oil, fish oil, and krill oil.

Learn more:
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003402.pub3/full
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20669423
http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preterm-birth,2018.) 


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