Every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm, and rates are rising in many countries. Although premature births remain a problem in the developed world, it is especially burdensome in low and middle income countries, with World Health Organization (WHO) figures demonstrating that 1 in 10 babies are born preterm globally. Preterm birth is a leading cause of death among infants, and often comes with significant and enduring health issues for survivors – as well as emotional distress for mothers. It is well established that omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA, have positive benefits on both maternal health and fetal development. Furthermore, strong evidence demonstrates that DHA supplementation substantially reduces the risk of preterm birth. However, supplementation during pregnancy remains low despite recommendations by leading experts.
The first global expert clinical practice guidelines for omega-3 fatty acids, like DHA, to reduce preterm birth were recently published. The expert panel included 24 experts in obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, and nutrition from all over the globe. The guideline was funded and supported by the Child Health Foundation, was published on behalf of six scientific-medical organizations, and was recently endorsed by the European Board & College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Explore our whitepaper to discover the latest science and recommendations around maternal nutrition.
The European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) raises awareness around the challenges of preterm birth and increase the standards for preconception, maternal, and newborn care. We remain a proud partner of the EFCNI and support every year World Prematurity Day which brings together parents, healthcare professionals, experts in neonatology, and scientists who have the common goal of improving the long-term health of infants born prematurely. There are many complications associated with premature birth, however, advances in medical care and nutrition have improved the outcomes for preterm infants. Maternal and neonatal nutrition have been known to play critical roles during pregnancy and the post-partum period.
The following is a questionnaire that will estimate your daily omega-3 DHA intake. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid mainly found in seafood, eggs and dietary supplements. Please answer the questions based upon your consumption of the following foods over the past 2 months. You will be shown a sliding scale bar to provide amounts. Answer each question as best you can and feel free to estimate if you are not sure, as a guess is better than leaving the answer blank. Please note that this questionnaire is for informational and educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultation with healthcare professionals. The data will not be shared with others.
How many 3oz. (~85g) servings of the following fish have you eaten in the past 2 months? A 3oz. (~85g) serving is the size of a deck of cards.
How many 3oz. (~85g) servings of the following fish have you eaten in the past 2 months? A 3oz. (~85g) serving is the size of a deck of cards.
How many 3oz. (~85g) servings of the following fish have you eaten in the past 2 months? A 3oz. (~85g) serving is the size of a deck of cards.
How many 3oz. (~85g) servings of liver did you eat in the past 2 months? A 3oz. (~85g) serving is the size of a deck of cards.
How many egg yolks did you eat EACH WEEK (including egg yolks used in cooking) in the past 2 months?
How many 3 oz. (~85g) servings of chicken, turkey, or other poultry (not including livers) did you eat EACH WEEK in the past 2 months? A 3oz. (~85g) serving is the size of a deck of cards.
Are you taking a dietary supplement with DHA (algal or fish oil)?
Amount of DHA in each capsule/serving (in mg)?
How many days per week do you remember to take your supplement?
TOTAL DAILY DHA INTAKE:
Thank you for taking the survey. Your daily DHA intake is below expert recommendations for pregnant women.1 DHA is found in seafood, eggs and dietary supplements (algal or fish oil). If you are pregnant, consider talking to your healthcare professional about a DHA supplement in addition to your prenatal vitamin. Experts recommend that pregnant women with low DHA intake or status consume 600-1000mg of omega-3 per day (as DHA or DHA + EPA).1
Thank you for taking the survey. Experts recommend pregnant women consume at least 350-450mg of omega-3 per day (as DHA alone or DHA+EPA with at least 100-200mg as DHA).1 If you are pregnant, consider talking to your healthcare professional about a DHA supplement in addition to your prenatal vitamin to optimize your DHA intake.
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