Prenate DHA Uses

Prenate DHA is a prescription prenatal vitamin that is used to help fill any nutritional gaps in a pregnant woman's diet. Specifically, Prenate DHA contains an important omega-3 fatty acid (DHA) that helps improve brain development and vision, as well as prevent preterm birth. Prenate DHA actually contains more DHA than any other prescription prenatal vitamin. Prenate DHA uses in women trying to get pregnant or for women who are breastfeeding are also beneficial.

 

What Is Prenate DHA Used For?

Prenate DHA™ is a prescription prenatal vitamin. Prenatal vitamins are specifically designed for pregnant women. They are used to fill in any nutritional gaps in a pregnant woman's diet. Even women who usually eat a well-balanced and nutritional diet before pregnancy may have problems getting all the nutrition they need during pregnancy, due to morning sickness or other problems.
 
Even though most people think only pregnant women take prenatal vitamins, Prenate DHA is also useful for women trying to conceive or for use after childbirth, particularly for women who choose to breastfeed. Because it is important to get enough folic acid prior to pregnancy and during early pregnancy (including the early weeks before you even know you are pregnant), your healthcare provider may recommend that you take a prenatal vitamin while trying to get pregnant. In fact, because so many pregnancies are unplanned, it is a good idea for any sexually active woman of reproductive age to take a prenatal vitamin (or at least a multivitamin with a minimum of 400 mcg of folic acid).
 

How Does Prenate DHA Work?

Prenate DHA contains a variety of different vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
 These nutrients are important for a healthy pregnancy, and many pregnant women may not get enough of these nutrients, for various reasons. Probably most importantly, Prenate DHA contains folic acid, which is important to prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida. Prenate DHA products also contain iron, calcium, and a variety of other vitamins and minerals.
 
Unlike older prenatal vitamins, Prenate DHA contains omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA. In fact, Prenate DHA contains more DHA than any other prescription prenatal vitamin. DHA provides a wide variety of health benefits. There is some evidence that it may decrease the risk of preterm birth (having a baby prematurely), improve brain function, and improve vision. Fish are the main source of DHA, and the typical American diet is usually deficient in DHA. Additionally, because many pregnant women are instructed to limit their intake of certain fish (due to the potential risks of mercury toxicity), it is likely that many pregnant women are not getting enough DHA.
 
Prenate DHA also contains calcium docusate, a stool softener that can help relieve constipation, a common problem during pregnancy (that can be made worse by the iron and calcium in prenatal vitamins).
 
(Prenate DHA Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;