• Skip to content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Shop ModernMom
  • Become An Insider

ModernMom

The premiere destination for moms

  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Tweens and Teens
    • ModernMom Monday Videos
  • Cooking
  • Living Healthy
    • Breast Cancer
    • Health & Fitness
    • Body after Baby
    • Beauty
    • Relationships
    • Love
  • Lifestyle
    • Crafts
    • At Home
    • Education
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Decorate
    • Money
    • Brooke Burke
  • Celebrate
    • Holidays
      • Easter
      • Valentine’s Day
      • New Year’s
      • Christmas
      • Hanukah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
    • Birthdays
    • Parties
  • Must Have
  • Contests
  • Entertainment

How Much Omega-3 Should Pregnant Women Take Daily?

May 26, 2010 by ModernMom Staff Leave a Comment

Omega-3 might sound like the name of a planet, but it is one of the most nutritious elements necessary in your daily diet. Omega-3 fatty acids consist of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). DHA, in particular, is critical to your health and your baby’s development.

Benefits

You and your baby need the DHA from omega 3 for many reasons. The March of Dimes explains that babies in the womb need DHA for their nervous system and eye development. It also helps maintain your heart and brain function. If that’s not enough, it also keeps your skin moist and glowy. The March of Dimes also advises that pregnant women get 200mg of DHA each day, although most get less than half of this.

Sources

Omega-3 fatty acids are found most often in fish. Your morning sickness may not be letting you get excited about a fish diet yet, but consider the number of options. Baked or sautéed salmon, tuna or halibut all bring omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Even a can of tuna would work. If fish isn’t among your cravings, try a bright green salad or walnuts in your granola. Cook with flaxseed oil or canola oil. If all these are not enough, ask your doctor about supplements that will get 200mg of DHA into your system each day.

Time Frame

Throughout the course of each day, you should get 200mg DHA. If you are trying to work fish into your diet, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that pregnant women eat 12 oz. or two servings of fish per week.

Considerations

Because your developing baby and your changing body need so many nutrients, choose foods that bring you omega-3 fatty acids as well as other nutrients. Eat fish full of protein. Choose leafy greens, cooked in oil, packed with folic acid. If you are vegetarian, try tofu or soybeans for protein and omega-3.

Warning

Although fish is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, it often contains small levels of mercury. Pregnant women should limit their fish intake to twice a week. To further limit the risk of mercury, eat fish, such as salmon, that contain the lowest levels of mercury. Small, young fish is also a good option, as it has not had an opportunity to absorb much mercury. Whichever fish you choose, ensure it is cooked thoroughly to avoid bacteria.

Photo Credit

  • pregnant #9 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Pregnancy

About ModernMom Staff

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

Search

Tell a friend

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
ModernMom Boutique

ModernMom TV

Featured

The Little Boy On First Base

To all the coaches, parents, and fans of little … [Read More...] about The Little Boy On First Base

Must Have

STEM-related Toys to Include in Your Child’s Easter Basket This Year 

April has arrived which means it’s time to pull out the food … [Read More...] about STEM-related Toys to Include in Your Child’s Easter Basket This Year 

Did you know?

How to Even Out a Spray Tan That Left White Spots

How to Even Out a Spray Tan That Left White Spots

Decoding a Man’s Hug

Decoding a Man’s Hug

What Can I Substitute for Butter When Making Frosting?

signs of pregnancy

How Long Does It Take to Show Signs of Pregnancy?

When Should You Give a Pacifier to a Baby

When Should You Give a Pacifier to a Baby?

Negative Effects of Single Parent Homes

The Negative Effects of Single Parent Homes on Children

I Bought Smoked Pork Chops & Don't Know How to Cook Them

I Bought Smoked Pork Chops & Don’t Know How to Cook Them

Footer

  • About Us
  • Contact ModernMom
  • Advertise With Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2023 Modern Mom. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the express permission of Mom, Inc.

The information provided on ModernMom is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.