The Advice Dr Natasha Singh Gives to Women During Pregnancy

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an important omega-3 fatty acid, plays such a wonderful role in pregnancy - helping to support the healthy development of your baby’s brain, eyes and nervous system. But what exactly makes DHA so important, and how can you make sure you’re getting enough?

To shed some light on this, we spoke with Dr. Natasha Singh, a consultant obstetrician with extensive experience in supporting mums-to-be. In this thoughtful Q&A, Dr. Singh shares the many benefits of DHA during pregnancy, how it supports both you and your baby, and the easiest ways to include it in your diet. 

Join us as Dr. Singh explains the science behind DHA and provides practical advice to help you get enough of this essential nutrient throughout your pregnancy journey.

Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself and your work?

I'm Natasha Singh - a consultant obstetrician at Chelsea Westminster Trust. My main areas of research focus on preterm birth and diabetes in pregnancy. I’ve been practising since 2012, primarily working with women who have diabetes during pregnancy, but I’m also deeply invested in research around preventing preterm births.

What do you think about the current pregnancy guidance provided to women, especially in terms of diet?

Current guidance from sources like the NHS typically emphasises folic acid and vitamin D, but there's one key omission: omega-3 fatty acids. These are crucial for the health of both mum and baby, yet they often get overlooked. We need to better educate women on the importance of a well-rounded diet, not only for preventing conditions like preterm birth, diabetes and preeclampsia but also for long-term maternal and infant health.

Could you share some insights from your research into preterm births with us?

Preterm birth rates are on the rise, and we’re still researching the underlying causes. Interestingly, 85% of women who experience preterm birth don’t have any identifiable risk factors. However, emerging evidence - both from our work and other studies - suggests that the maternal diet could play a key role in preventing preterm births. In today’s Western diet, people tend to consume more saturated fats than polyunsaturated fats (such as omega-3s) and we think this could be a cause… 

The FDA recommends that pregnant women consume 1-2 portions of omega-3-rich fish per week or 100-300mg of omega-3 fatty acids daily. But unfortunately, many women don’t meet these guidelines due to a lack of education or access to these foods, which highlights the need for greater awareness.

What have studies shown about the benefits of omega-3s, specifically DHA, during pregnancy?

Research consistently shows that DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is crucial for foetal development, especially in the third trimester when fatty acids are transferred to the baby’s brain and eyes. Adequate intake can help prevent preeclampsia, reduce the risk of preterm birth and ensure healthier birth weights.

There are also long-term benefits for the child. Studies have linked sufficient maternal DHA intake to improved cognitive function, better hand-eye coordination and a lower risk of allergies in the child. For mothers, DHA consumption has been associated with a lower risk of postnatal depression.

DHA appears to benefit both mums and babies. Could you tell us more about this?

Absolutely. DHA has dual benefits - during and after pregnancy. For mothers, it lowers the risks of preeclampsia, preterm birth, and postnatal depression. For babies, it helps prevent them from being born preterm or underweight, reducing the likelihood of neonatal unit admissions.

What happens if a baby is born preterm, and how can nutrition help prevent this?

There are two categories of preterm births: extreme preterm and late preterm. Late preterm babies, born after 32 weeks, often have better outcomes. But extreme preterm babies face significant challenges - immature lungs, underdeveloped organs, and higher risks of long-term developmental issues like cerebral palsy. Chronic health problems and longer hospital stays are common for these babies, which can cause immense emotional and financial strain on families.

That’s why prevention is so critical, and nutrition, particularly DHA, plays a vital role in reducing the risk of preterm birth.

Can you explain the role of DHA in preventing neurodevelopmental issues like autism?

Observational studies have shown that mothers who consume DHA daily during pregnancy tend to have children with better neurodevelopmental outcomes. For instance, these children are less likely to develop autism. This highlights the importance of omega-3s for both short- and long-term child development.

When should women start focusing on healthy eating and DHA intake?

Ideally, women should always strive for a healthy diet, even before pregnancy. Preconception is the best time to begin consuming omega-3s, just as many women start taking folic acid. This continues throughout pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, and extends into the breastfeeding period. That’s because DHA supports not only pregnancy health but also postnatal well-being, helping reduce the risk of postnatal depression.

Can a healthy diet alone provide the necessary nutrients for pregnancy, or is supplementation required?

While a healthy diet is essential, it often falls short in providing all the necessary nutrients for pregnancy. Most people, for example, don’t get the recommended daily amount of DHA, around 300mg, just from their diet. So, supplementation is often needed to fill in the gaps, especially when people are consuming more saturated fats than polyunsaturated fats.

What is the significance of blood testing for nutrient levels during pregnancy?

Many people assume their diet is sufficient, but we often eat blindly without really knowing if we’re getting the right nutrients. Blood testing allows for a more precise approach, identifying deficiencies or excesses. This can help guide supplementation, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, and even improving mental health.

Finally, as an obstetrician, what advice would you give to women planning a pregnancy?

Knowing what I do now, I wish I had taken DHA supplements during my own pregnancy 18 years ago. Even though research is still evolving, what we do know is that DHA can significantly reduce the risk of complications like preeclampsia and preterm birth. So, I advise all my patients to ensure they are getting enough DHA throughout their pregnancy - it’s a small step that can make a huge difference.

When it comes to getting the right amount of DHA for your needs, we’re here to give you a helping hand. Take our simple food & lifestyle questionnaire today, to get your recommended supplement plan. Or, if you have any questions, get in touch with our expert support team, they'd be happy to help.