Why DHA Matters: The Benefits of DHA Intake During Pregnancy

Docosahexaenoic acid is a big word with even bigger potential. This incredible little nutrient is loved by mothers and doctors alike thanks to the way in which it supports pregnancies. 

Whether you’re trying to get pregnant, already expecting or just empowering yourself with information before you embark on the journey to motherhood, understanding the science behind what happens to your body during pregnancy will help you to decide what’s right for you and your bump. 

So let’s delve into what DHA is, how it affects pregnant people and take a look at statistics from countries where DHA intake is high. 

But first, let’s clarify what DHA is… 

DHA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid found in fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. It plays a crucial role in the development of the brain - that’s because 60% of our brain is fat and over 90% of that fat is DHA. It also helps with the development of the eyes and nervous system of unborn babies. Our bodies can’t produce DHA efficiently, so it has to be obtained through diet or supplements.

Source: foodforthebrain.org, Increasing Your Brain Fat Starts Today.

Pregnancy statistics from countries with high fish consumption

Countries with high fish consumption naturally have higher DHA levels, and that of course includes in pregnant people. Looking at statistics from these countries can help us to see the link between DHA and wellbeing. 

Japan

• Japan is known for its high fish consumption, although the rate has dipped in recent years the average Japanese person still consumes significantly more fish than most other countries.

Source:ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, Risk and Benefit of Decreasing Seafood Consumption in Japan—Docosahexaenoic Acid, Methylmercury and Infant IQ.

• The preterm birth rate in Japan is around 5-6%, which is lower than many Western countries. This low rate is partly attributed to the high DHA intake from fish.

Source:obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com, Changes in preterm and extremely preterm birth rates in Japan after the introduction of obstetrical practice guidelines in 2008 

• Japanese children generally perform well in cognitive development tests, potentially linked to higher maternal DHA intake. 

Source:nature.com,Detecting geographical clusters of low birth weight and/or preterm birth in Japan 

Iceland

• Icelanders consume a significant amount of fish, averaging over 87 kg per person, per year.

Source:worldpopulationreview.com,Fish Consumption by Country 2024.

• The preterm birth rate in Iceland is less than 6%, and maternal and child health outcomes are generally positive.

Source:laeknabladid.is, Preterm birth among Icelandic and migrant women in Iceland during 1997-2018 and main contributing factors.

• Icelandic dietary guidelines for pregnant women emphasise fish consumption, reflecting the recognised benefits of DHA.

Australia

• After dipping in line with global trends, fish consumption in Australia has risen in recent years.

Source:agriculture.gov.au,Seafood consumption in Australia.

• The Australian government is one of the first to recommend omega-3 supplementation for pregnant residents.

Source:app.magicapp.org,pregnancy care guidelines.

• This reflects the recognised benefits of DHA during pregnancy
  

The benefits of DHA intake during pregnancy

Preventing preterm birth 

Studies suggest that higher DHA intake is associated with a lower risk of preterm birth, with omega-3 being shown to reduce the chance of preterm labour by up to 11%. Supporting infant health by encouraging delivery after 37 weeks.

Source:nih.gov,NIH-funded study finds higher dose of DHA associated with lower early preterm birth rate. Source:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov,,Omega-3 fatty acid addition during pregnancy

Supporting neurodevelopment

DHA is a major structural component of the brain. Adequate intake of DHA during pregnancy supports the development of your baby’s cerebral cortex, which is responsible for higher brain functions such as cognition, memory and emotion.

Source: sciencedirect.com/,Docosahexaenoic Acid

Preventing postpartum depression 

DHA has been linked to a reduced risk of postpartum depression. That’s because omega-3 fatty acids can influence mood-regulating neurotransmitters, providing mental health benefits for soon-to-be and new mums.

Source:nature.com,The efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acids on depressive symptoms in perinatal women

Reducing the risk of preeclampsia 

Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication that causes high blood pressure. DHA intake is linked to a reduced risk of preeclampsia due to its anti-inflammatory properties, positive effects on vascular health and role in healthy placental development.

Source:nature.com,The association between dietary fatty acid intake and the risk of developing preeclampsia.

Omega-3 and autism

There has also been growing interest in understanding the link between omega-3 fatty acid intake and autism. Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain development and function, and some studies suggest that DHA could help to reduce the chance or severity of autism.

Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov,The effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on social and behavioural disorders of children with autism.

There’s a reason why DHA is loved by so many doctors and mums-to-be. From its role in supporting brain development to reducing preterm births and even supporting your mental health, the benefits are clear. And pregnancy statistics from countries with high fish consumption underscore how miraculous this supplement can be. 

We’re here to make it easy for you to increase your DHA intake. Our dedication to reducing the risk of preterm pregnancies, neurodevelopmental issues and postnatal depression goes beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. We nurture each individual journey with safe and simple at-home blood and vitals monitoring, and unique, evidence-based DHA supplements tailored to you. 

Take our quick and easy questionnaire to get supplements tailored just for you and your baby. Still have questions? Get in touch with our friendly team, we'd be happy to help.