Fetal Development - 5 Things You Should Know

As a mother or parent, the healthiest fetal development is probably at the top of the list of your concerns. That may be why you are considering using fish oils to benefit your unborn baby.

But getting simple and direct information on what can and what won't benefit your child during fetal development is difficult. I hope to help with that in this article by giving you five tips.

But here's some little information to get the ball rolling first.

EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) are so "essential" as they help oxygen transport through our bloodstreams, they improve the development of cells and of the brain, and they also increase organ and tissue health.

The most beneficial EFA is DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). This omega 3 fatty acids is one of the main foundational materials of the tissue of the brain.

But finally, here are the 5 big tips which can benefit your child:

1. DHA is important for your child's brain function.

The aforementioned DHA is important in many parts of your child's development -- its brain, its eyesight and correct development of the nervous system. It can also improve your child's early hand-eye coordination.

2. All the DHA you consume will be naturally transported to your fetus

This really substantiates the idea of a mother's instinctive protectiveness over her children. Your body naturally diverts helpful nutrients from itself to the fetus. Deficiencies in DHA for mothers can result in post-partum depression.

3. Babies may be more intelligent

A case study took place in England. It included 11,000 pregnant women who consumed more omega 3s whilst pregnant. Their children were more likely to have higher IQs and also managed social interaction a lot better than other children. The children were also observed to be more focused and less likely to develop ADD.

4. The baby will continue to develop whilst breastfeeding

You are the only source of nutrition if you breastfeed. A baby's development is always racing and so it is essential that you can supply him or her with the nutrients it needs to grow and develop properly, without reducing your own use of DHA.

5. There are no omega 3 fatty acids in prenatal vitamins

As prenatal vitamins are unlikely to have DHA in them, it is important that women acknowledge this deficiency and do something about it themselves -- by adding a fish oil supplement to their own diet. This could go a long way in preventing post-natal depression too.

But while fish oils bring a range of benefits, there are also risks. Some women try and eat lots of fish to supply themselves with omega 3 fatty acids, but this can be dangerous.

Some fish contain contaminants like mercury, which can cause mercury poisoning.

It is much safer to consume a fish oil supplement which is of pharmaceutical grade and which has undergone molecular distillation. This process removes impurities and will make for a healthy and safe fish oil supplement.

And the end result of this will be a healthy and safe fetal development, which is what every single parent desires.

Your next step? Consult your physician on the dose you would require and find a fish oil which is properly purified to boost your child's fetal development.