DHA, short for docosahexaenoic acid, is an omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. During pregnancy, these fats are crucial in building your baby's brain, nervous system and eyes.
Brain Development
Children of mothers with a higher intake of DHA received higher scores on intelligence tests at four years of age in a 2003 study published in the journal "Pediatrics."
Birth Size
A study at Maastricht University in the Netherlands baby's weight and head circumference at birth is associated with higher levels of DHA.
Length of Gestation
In 2003, "Obstetrics & Gynecology" published the results of a trial showing that pregnant women receiving DHA supplements in the third trimester had an average increased gestational length of six days.
Visual Development
Researchers at the University of British Columbia's Department of Pediatrics found that visual acuity in babies was positively correlated with their mother's DHA intake.
DHA from Food Sources
Salmon, canned light tuna, anchovies, herring, sardines, walnuts, walnut oil and fortified eggs and milk are good sources of DHA.
DHA Supplement
DHA supplements derived from fish oil and marine algae are available. The latter may be a better choice during pregnancy as it is less likely to contain harmful contaminants.
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