If you’re pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, you may have heard of DHA. But what is DHA?

DHA is an acronym for the nutrient docosahexaenoic acid, an Omega-3 fatty acid. (No wonder they abbreviate it.) Today, with people often eating on the go, our diets are typically deficient in Omega-3. Supplementing then becomes important because our bodies can’t make Omega-3 on their own.

So, why is DHA important?

For starters, Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for human health, but the body can’t make them, so you have to get them through food or supplementation. In general, DHA is found in high amounts in the tissues of the brain and eye. A large amount of DHA is accumulated during the last in utero trimester and first year of life. DHA helps support general health and wellbeing before and after pregnancy.*

How much DHA is enough?

Salmon, herring, and anchovies are sources of Omega-3 fatty acid, specifically DHA. Tuna is as well, but pregnant women are typically advised to limit or avoid eating tuna, along with certain other fish, because of high mercury levels.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women should eat at least two servings of fish or shellfish containing Omega-3 fatty acids (about 8–12 ounces) per week and while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Fortunately, if fish dinners aren’t regularly on your menu, there are plenty of Omega-3 fatty acid supplements available. To help supplement your diet, one serving of First Response™ Reproductive Health Multivitamin Gummies and First Response PreNatal and PostNatal Multivitamin Gummies provides 50 mg of DHA in an easy to take gummy form.

Just make sure you check with your doctor before starting a supplement regimen. It also wouldn’t hurt to ask your doctor which types of fish are safer for you to eat during pregnancy.

Source: Parenting, What to Expect