~20%
Brain
DHA makes up roughly 20% of total brain lipid and 60–80% of brain membrane phospholipids. Accretion peaks in the third trimester at around 50–60 mg per day.
For pregnancy & breastfeeding
Omega-3 DHA for the most important nine months.
DHA is the omega-3 your baby uses most during pregnancy — and a mother’s level varies widely. Know yours with a simple at-home test.
Why omega-3 DHA matters in pregnancy
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a long-chain omega-3 concentrated in the developing brain, eyes and nervous system. It is laid down rapidly through pregnancy, and a mother’s own DHA status is the supply line. Yet levels differ enormously between women, depending on diet, supplements and individual metabolism — and most people have never measured theirs.
~60%
Retina
DHA is the dominant fatty acid in your baby’s retinal photoreceptor cells. Higher DHA in pregnancy has been associated with measurable visual development outcomes in published trials.
30×
Nervous system
DHA accretion in the central nervous system increases roughly 30-fold across the first two years of life — starting in utero and continuing into infancy.
↓42%
Early preterm birth
In women who begin pregnancy with low omega-3, randomised trials and a Cochrane review have shown that higher-dose DHA can reduce the risk of early preterm birth (before 34 weeks) by roughly 42% — which is why knowing your level first matters.
The evidence, in brief
Omega-3 in pregnancy is one of the most-studied areas in maternal nutrition. A large Cochrane systematic review of randomised trials examined omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy and its relationship with timing of birth; the wider research base continues to inform guidance. The consistent theme across the literature is that a woman’s baseline omega-3 status is what matters — which is exactly why measuring it, rather than guessing, is useful.
Know your status, then decide. The point of testing is to replace guesswork with your actual number, so any decision about diet or supplements — made together with your midwife or GP — is based on where you really stand.
How the Prenatal Omega-3 test works
The same simple at-home finger-prick as our other tests, with reference ranges tuned for pregnancy. One drop of blood onto the collection card, posted back in the prepaid return envelope, analysed by GC-FID in our accredited lab. Your Prenatal Omega-3 Index (DHA as a percentage of total fatty acids) on a pregnancy-tuned scale, with results in 3–5 days of your sample reaching us — retestable each trimester.
Check your prenatal omega-3 level
At-home finger-prick · pregnancy-tuned scale · results in 3–5 days of receipt.
Explore the Prenatal Omega-3 Test →Information only. This test is not a diagnostic test and does not treat, prevent or diagnose any condition. Always discuss your results, and any changes to diet, supplements or care, with your midwife, GP or obstetrician.