Should you take DHA before Pregnancy?
HOW MUCH DHA SHOULD I TAKE DURING PREGNANCY
Should you take DHA before Pregnancy?
DHA can also be considered during the preconception period.
If you're planning pregnancy, review your overall diet and supplement routine before conception.
This can help you identify potential nutritional gaps early.
Preconception planning should also address folic acid.
Health Canada recommends that people who could become pregnant take a daily multivitamin containing 400 mcg of folic acid, and recommends starting at least three months before conception when pregnancy is planned.
DHA in the first trimester
The first trimester is a period of significant development.
However, nutrition during pregnancy should not be viewed as a sequence where one nutrient matters only during one trimester.
Maintaining a balanced nutritional intake throughout pregnancy is important.
If you're concerned about DHA intake during the first trimester, discuss your diet and supplement routine with your healthcare provider.
DHA in the second trimester
The second trimester continues to involve substantial fetal growth and development.
Continue following your healthcare provider's recommendations for prenatal nutrition.
If you're using a DHA supplement, take it according to the product's directions.
DHA in the third trimester
The third trimester is another period of rapid fetal growth.
DHA continues to be relevant to prenatal nutrition.
If you're already taking a DHA-containing prenatal, check the label before adding another omega-3 product.
This helps prevent unnecessary duplication.
Can you take too much DHA?
More isn't necessarily better.
High-dose supplementation should not be assumed to provide additional benefit simply because the dose is higher.
If you already consume fish regularly and take a prenatal containing DHA, you may not need an additional DHA supplement.
Discuss your total intake with your healthcare provider.
How to choose a DHA prenatal in Canada
When comparing DHA-containing prenatal vitamins, use this checklist.
1. Check the DHA amount
Look for DHA specifically.
2. Check EPA
If included, note the amount.
3. Check the total omega-3
Compare it with the DHA and EPA amounts.
4. Check the source
Determine whether the DHA comes from fish oil or algae.
5. Check the prenatal nutrients
Look at folate, iron, B12, vitamin D and iodine.
6. Check serving size
Know how many capsules provide the listed amounts.
7. Check your existing supplements
Avoid unnecessary duplication.
8. Consider your diet
Your fish and seafood intake affects how much supplemental DHA you may need.
DHA and prenatal vitamin side effects
Omega-3 supplements can cause digestive effects in some people, such as:
Fishy aftertaste
Burping
Nausea
Stomach discomfort
Taking a product according to its directions may improve tolerance.
If you experience persistent or concerning symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider.
What if you don't like fish?
You don't have to force yourself to eat foods you dislike.
Discuss alternative DHA sources with your healthcare provider.
Depending on your diet and circumstances, options may include:
DHA-containing prenatal vitamins
Algae-derived DHA
Other appropriate omega-3 supplements
What if you're allergic to fish?
If you have a fish or seafood allergy, don't assume that a fish-oil supplement is appropriate.
Speak with your healthcare provider before choosing an omega-3 supplement.
An algae-derived DHA product may be an alternative, depending on your circumstances.
DHA and other prenatal supplements
If you're taking multiple products, review all labels.
For example, someone could unknowingly take:
A prenatal vitamin
A separate DHA supplement
A multivitamin
A fish-oil supplement
This can result in overlapping nutrients.
Keep a list of everything you're taking and discuss it with your pharmacist, doctor or other healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DHA during pregnancy?
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid associated with normal brain and eye development and is an important part of the broader discussion around prenatal nutrition.
Is DHA important during pregnancy?
DHA is involved in normal brain and eye development. Adequate nutrition during pregnancy should include a variety of essential nutrients.
How much DHA should I take during pregnancy?
The appropriate amount depends on dietary intake and individual circumstances. Check your food and supplement sources and discuss your needs with your healthcare provider.
Can I get DHA from food?
Yes. Fatty fish such as salmon, trout and sardines are dietary sources of DHA.
Is fish safe during pregnancy?
Fish can be part of a healthy pregnancy diet, but mercury levels vary among species. Follow current Canadian fish-consumption guidance.
Can I take fish oil during pregnancy?
Some people use fish-oil supplements during pregnancy. Discuss any supplement with your healthcare provider and check its DHA and EPA content.
Is algae DHA safe during pregnancy?
Algae-derived DHA is an option for people who don't consume fish. Discuss supplementation with your healthcare provider.
What is the difference between DHA and EPA?
Both are omega-3 fatty acids, but they have different biological roles. DHA is particularly concentrated in the brain and retina.
Can I take DHA with my prenatal vitamin?
It depends on your prenatal formulation and total DHA intake. Check whether your prenatal already contains DHA before adding another supplement.
Does Pregnavit Plus contain DHA?
Yes. Newnesscare currently lists 300 mg DHA in the Omega-3 component of Pregnavit Plus.
Does Pregnavit Original contain DHA?
Pregnavit Original does not contain the DHA component that distinguishes Pregnavit Plus. Check the current product label for the latest formulation.
Should I take DHA if I eat fish regularly?
You may already obtain DHA through your diet. Your individual need for supplementation depends on your dietary intake and circumstances.
Can I take DHA before pregnancy?
DHA can be considered as part of preconception nutrition. Review your dietary and supplement needs with your healthcare provider.
Is more DHA better?
Not necessarily. Avoid assuming that higher doses are automatically better.
A simple DHA pregnancy checklist
Eat a balanced diet.
Include a variety of nutrient-rich foods.
Choose fish wisely.
Select lower-mercury options and follow Canadian guidance.
Check your prenatal label.
Determine whether DHA is already included.
Look for actual DHA.
Don't rely only on the total omega-3 number.
Review other supplements.
Avoid unnecessary duplication.
Consider your diet.
People who don't eat fish may need to pay particular attention to DHA sources.
Ask your healthcare provider.
Individual nutritional requirements vary.
The bottom line
DHA is an important omega-3 fatty acid to consider as part of pregnancy nutrition.
You can obtain DHA from food, particularly certain fish and seafood, or from supplements.
When choosing a prenatal vitamin with DHA, look at the complete formulation rather than DHA alone.
Consider:
DHA amount
EPA amount
Source
Folate
Iron
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D
Iodine
Serving size
Your dietary intake
Newnesscare's Pregnavit Plus combines prenatal vitamins and minerals with an Omega-3 component and currently lists 300 mg DHA.
For people who prefer a prenatal without the added DHA component, Pregnavit Original provides the prenatal vitamin and mineral formulation.
Newnesscare's Pregnavit Plus combines prenatal vitamins and minerals with an Omega-3 component and currently lists 300 mg DHA.
For people who prefer a prenatal without the added DHA component, Pregnavit Original provides the prenatal vitamin and mineral formulation.
[Explore Pregnavit Plus]
[Explore Pregnavit Original]
Important information
This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Pregnancy and preconception nutritional requirements vary between individuals. Speak with your doctor, midwife, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing nutritional supplements.
Always read the current product label and follow the recommended directions for use.