There are a great number of benefits to getting enough Omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and while you are breast feeding. For example, Omega-3 fatty acids help with the development of the optical nerves. They also help with visual development. Some evidence suggests that Omega-3 fatty acids may even be useful as one part of an overall treatment plan for a woman who is suffering from postpartum depression. There is even some research to suggest that there may be a link between Omega-3 fatty acids and your child’s behavior.

How are Omega-3 fatty acids and your child’s behavior related? Well, it is an established fact that Omega-3 fatty acids aid in the development of the baby’s neurological system. If the neurological system doesn’t develop correctly due to a deficiency in Omega-3 fatty acids, there is the distinct possibility that your child’s brain functions could be impacted. This, in turn, may have a damaging effect on your child’s behavior.

The best way, then, to avoid this problem is to get enough Omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy. There are many specific foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids. The most abundant natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids is fish. If you don’t like fish, or can’t eat fish for any number of reasons, a simpler way to get enough Omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy is with the use of a variety of types of nutritional supplements. These sorts of nutritional supplements often will contain fish oil.  If you have allergies that might prevent you from using fish oil supplements, there are also flaxseed oil supplements.

As with any supplement, you should speak with your health care provider before beginning Omega-3 fatty acid supplements of any sort.

This entry was posted in Family Health.