The Health Benefits Of DHA for Pregnant and Nursing Women

DHA is important for optimal infant brain, eye and nervous system development and has been shown to support long-term heart health. The body of research supporting the importance of DHA for pregnant and nursing women and their infants continues to grow.

DHA is important throughout pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester when significant brain growth occurs. Maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy and nursing significantly enhances the level of DHA available to the fetus and infant. Certain studies (some, but not all) have shown that maternal DHA supplementation improves infant developmental outcomes, such as:

• eye-hand coordination
• motor skills
• attention span

Additionally, one study has shown that higher maternal DHA levels are associated with more mature sleep patterns in infants.

DHA has also been shown to play a part in maternal well-being. One study showed that maternal DHA supplementation increased the length of pregnancy by 6 days helping mothers carry to a healthy or full term. Additionally, some research suggests that adequate levels of DHA in the maternal diet may play a role in helping a mother’s emotional well-being after birth.