Why taking a prenatal DHA supplement should be a top priority

With all the excitement and planning that comes with a new baby, it's easy to overlook the nutritional needs that support a healthy pregnancy. One of the first things a doctor will recommend is to take a prenatal vitamin alongside a DHA supplement.

DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that plays a vital role in fetal brain and eye development. In fact, DHA is so important that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women consume at least 200 milligrams of DHA per day.

    But DHA does more than just support fetal development. Recent scientific research has also linked prenatal vitamins with DHA to a lower risk of preterm birth, which is one of the most significant health risks facing pregnant women and their babies.

     

    Understanding preterm birth and its risks

    Preterm birth, also known as premature birth, occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This can result in a range of health complications for both the baby and the mother. In fact, preterm birth is the leading cause of infant mortality worldwide, and premature infants are at a higher risk of developing lifelong health issues.

    The risks and complications associated with preterm birth can vary depending on how early the baby is born. Premature babies may experience respiratory distress, brain bleeds, developmental delays, and vision and hearing problems. Mothers may experience complications such as postpartum hemorrhage.

    It’s all quite scary, but just know that prevention is crucial when it comes to preterm birth. While some risk factors - such as a prior preterm birth or a multiple pregnancy - cannot be controlled, pregnant women can still take steps to reduce their risk. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting regular prenatal care, and taking a prenatal DHA supplement along with your prenatal vitamin.

    One study that was published in Nutrition Journal found that pregnant women who took a prenatal DHA supplement had a 42% lower risk of early preterm birth.

     

    Invest in your baby's future with the best prenatal DHA

    Mama Bird Prenatal DHA contains the optimal amount of DHA and other essential nutrients to support a healthy pregnancy and a healthy start in life for your baby. It’s available in both fish-based and vegan formulas.

    Investing in a quality prenatal vitamin is one of the best things you can do for your baby's future. Don't leave your baby's health to chance — choose a DHA that is safe, effective, and convenient.

      

    Frequently asked questions

    Why is DHA important in prenatal vitamins?

    DHA is an incredibly important nutrient for your baby's brain function, vision, and nervous system. Most prenatal vitamins don't provide optimal DHA sources or amounts, often using synthetic ethyl esters. To solve this, we put our DHA in separate softgels. Prenatal DHA uses superior triglyceride oil from fish and Vegan Prenatal DHA uses purified algae oil. Unlike synthetics, neither of these high-quality ingredients can be compressed. Taking a DHA along with a multivitamin like our Prenatal Multi+ ensures expectant moms receive important vitamins and the right amount of DHA.

    Is it safe to take prenatal DHA during pregnancy?

    Yes, it is safe and recommended to take DHA during pregnancy to support fetal development.

    What are the potential side effects of taking DHA?

    Some women may experience mild side effects such as nausea, constipation, or bloating, but these are typically temporary and can be minimized by taking the supplement with food.

    How much DHA should a prenatal vitamin contain?

    The ACOG recommends that pregnant women consume at least 200 milligrams of DHA per day.

    Why should I choose Prenatal DHA?

    Our Prenatal DHA contains 500 mg of potent DHA and 840 mg of purified omega-3 made from real triglyceride oil—the form naturally found in fish and the form your body most easily absorbs. 

    Also, we only use real triglyceride oil, not ethyl ester oil like other companies do. Triglyceride oil is purified fish oil encapsulated in small softgels that are easy to swallow. We avoid ethyl ester oil since it can break down into alcohol in your body.