The importance of DHA intake during pregnancy is well established. DHA ( Docosahexaenoic Acid ) is different compared to its precursors ALA (alpha- linoleic acid) and EPA ( eicosapentaenoic acid) in terms of its effects on the developing fetus. DHA accumulates in the brain and retina of the developing fetus and provides several advantages:
1) DHA helps the fetus develop and grow better with higher birth weight, length and head size at birth.
2) The length of pregnancy is extended longer thereby helping prevent prematurity and allowing the baby to attain better development before delivery.
3) Babies whose moms took DHA have better and sharper vision at 2 months of age.
4) Babies whose moms took DHA during pregnancy have better cognition and higher psychomotor development.
5) These babies also have scored better at novelty preference which helps predict IQ attainment.
6) These babies are found to perform better at problem solving tasks when they reach nine months of age.
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