"Omega-3s are essential for prenatal care and should definitely be included in a prenatal vitamin. DHA is vital for infant brain and eye development," explains Shaw. "Since mothers are the sole source of DHA for developing babies, it's critical that pregnant and nursing mothers eat enough fatty fish or take an omega-3 supplement." You can also get them from walnuts, grass-fed beef, and cage-free eggs.
In fact, a recent study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology found omega-3 supplement consumption was associated with a 58 percent decrease in the likelihood of early preterm birth (babies born before 34 weeks) and a 17 percent decrease in preterm delivery (babies born before 37 weeks). "DHA is one of 11 nutrients the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes as crucial for neurodevelopment in the first 1,000 days of life," continues Shaw. "For pregnant and lactating women, optimal intake is 700 mg per day of EPA and DHA, with at least 300 mg as DHA."