A Lifetime of Good Health

Lifestage 2 (Twenties and Thirtees)

[ Teens, 20s and 30s | Teen Years | Twenties and Thirties | Health Protection ]

Pregnancy - In the third trimester of pregnancy (last three months) it is important that the mother-to-be has an ample supply of the Omega-3 fatty acids. Around 70 per cent of all the cells that make up the adult brain are formed during this period. The Omega-3 DHA central to this process reaches the foetus from the mother via the placenta.

• If mother's diet does not allow her to provide enough DHA for the needs of her baby, her body stores will be called upon to make up the shortfall. Some experts think that since the human brain is a rich source of DHA, the mothers brain will be the source of supply of the DHA baby needs. Comparisons across many countries have shown that national rates of post-natal depression are high in those countries which do not eat much fish, and vice-versa. Whether this is caused by the loss of brain DHA during pregnancy is not yet clear.
• If there is insufficient DHA for the baby, foetal development may be impaired resulting in lower IQ and poor visual acuity.

It is also thought that Omega-3 EPA can help prevent babies being born prematurely and there is some evidence to suggest that pre-eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition in pregnancy, might be associated with a lack of Omega-3
fatty acids.