Pregnancy is a beautiful experience. The feeling of nurturing your little one inside you for nine months is one of the most emotional feelings for a mother-to-be. Pregnancy nutrition to aid your baby’s health and growth is definitely foremost on your mind. Ask your gynaecologist or nutritionist for a trimester-wise nutrition guide to ensure you eat the right foods for you and your baby’s health.
While folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D are important nutrients for pregnancy, Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for pregnancy nutrition.
You might have noticed your pregnancy nutritionist reiterating the need to include foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids in your pregnancy diet plan. So, what are Omega-3 fatty acids, and how do they aid your pregnancy?
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that your body requires for cell structure and vital functions. However, your body cannot produce this nutrient. Therefore, you must supplement this requirement from external sources like food.
Omega-3 fatty acids are highly recommended during pregnancy. It not only helps your baby’s development and growth but also protects the mother’s health. There are basically three types:
One of the benefits of these health fats, especially DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) during pregnancy, is that it aids fetal brain development. It is highly recommended to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods, especially in the third trimester. So, how does this nutrient help? It enhances neural membrane structure for better neurotransmission and cognitive functions like attention and memory. It supports rapid brain development by accumulating sufficient DHA in the developing brain, promoting optimal neuro-development.
This nutrient forms a structural backbone for photoreceptor cells, optimizing membrane fluidity for efficient light signaling. Consulting a pregnancy nutritionist in Whitefield, Bangalore can help you plan the right Omega-3 intake for each trimester.
These essential fatty acids lower the risk of allergies and eczema. Further, it balances the immune system, improving immune cell function. So, this nutrient helps to prevent overreaction and promotes proper defence against pathogens while reducing chronic damage.
When it comes to pregnancy and nutrition, foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids are often suggested to promote healthy weight gain for your growing baby. Especially in the last trimester, these nutrients help to build tissues, leading to better birth weight and post-natal development.
Believe it or not, an appropriate intake of foods rich in these healthy fats decreases the risk of postnatal depression in women. How? Well, Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, reduce brain inflammation, supporting neurotransmitters: serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial mood regulators.
Always consult your gynaecologist and nutritionist before starting any pregnancy diet plan to ensure the safety and well-being of you and your baby during your pregnancy journey.
Based on your personal requirements, your nutritionist will encourage moderate and recommended servings of dietary sources and supplements to increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, if required.
Dietary sources:
Kinder Hospitals Bangalore has a team of the best gynaecologists and nutritionists in Whitefield, Bangalore, guiding every step of your pregnancy from conception to delivery and beyond. Schedule your appointment today at Kinder Hospitals Whitefield, Bangalore, for a smooth pregnancy journey.
