Support a full-term pregnancy with evidence-based omega-3 monitoring
Prenatal DHA Test
The Prenatal DHA Test is a simple at-home dried blood spot (DBS) test that measures your red blood cell DHA level — a critical omega-3 fatty acid essential for fetal brain development and reducing the risk of preterm birth.
This test is especially important for women who do not regularly consume oily fish or take omega-3 supplements, as low DHA levels have been linked to an increased risk of early delivery. By identifying your DHA status early in pregnancy, you can take proactive steps to support a healthy, full-term pregnancy.
Why DHA Matters in Pregnancy
- DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is a key structural component of the fetal brain and retina, crucial for cognitive and visual development.
- Low maternal DHA levels have been associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, particularly before 34 weeks gestation.
- Supplementation with DHA during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of early preterm birth in women with low DHA status.
How to Improve Your Prenatal DHA
If your result is below the optimal 5% threshold, increasing your intake of EPA and DHA can help. Options include:
- Eating 2–3 servings/week of fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
- Taking a high-quality fish oil or algae-based supplement thats high in DHA
- Retesting after 4 weeks to track your progress
What Is a Healthy Prenatal DHA Range
A healthy red blood cell DHA level during pregnancy is considered to be 5% or higher, expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids. This level has been associated with a significantly lower risk of early preterm birth (before 34 weeks gestation) and better outcomes for both mother and baby.
If your DHA level is below 5%, it indicates suboptimal omega-3 status — and clinical research shows that supplementation with DHA can help raise levels to the target range within just a few weeks. Testing early in pregnancy allows for timely action and supports a healthier, full-term pregnancy.
Prenatal DHA vs. Plasma DHA
Unlike short-term plasma omega-3 tests, which reflect your last meal, the Prenatal DHA reflects omega-3 content in red blood cell membranes over the past 3–4 months. This makes it a more stable and reliable indicator of long-term Prenatal DHA status.
Backed by Science
- SAHMRI OPAL Study: The Omega-3 for Pregnancy And its Length (OPAL) trial demonstrated that women with low DHA status (<5%) who were supplemented with omega-3s had a 42% reduced risk of early preterm birth. This led to the development of the Omega-3 Test-and-Treat program, now implemented in Australian public hospitals.
- Cochrane Review (2018): A global meta-analysis of 70+ studies found that omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk of early preterm birth by 58% and improves neonatal outcomes.
These findings support DHA testing as a key clinical tool in maternal care — enabling early detection and intervention to optimise pregnancy outcomes.
Key Benefits
- Measures red blood cell DHA levels to assess omega-3 status.
- Simple, at-home collection with a dried blood spot (DBS) card.
- Provides actionable insights to guide dietary and supplementation decisions.
- Aligns with national guidelines recommending DHA supplementation for women with low omega-3 levels.
What's Measured?
- DHA (% of total red blood cell fatty acids)
Who Should Use This Test?
- Pregnant women, especially those under 20 weeks gestation.
- Women who consume little to no oily fish.
- Individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets.
- Those taking and not currently taking omega-3 supplements.
What's Included?
- Dried blood spot collection card
- Lancets, alcohol swab, gauze, bandage
- Return envelope and instructions
- Lab analysis + secure online results
FAQs
Why is DHA important during pregnancy?
DHA is essential for the development of the fetal brain and eyes. Adequate maternal DHA levels support optimal cognitive and visual development in the baby.
Do I need to fast?
Avoid eating fish or taking Omega-3 supplements for 12 hours before the test.
How does this test help reduce the risk of preterm birth?
Identifying low DHA levels allows for timely intervention with omega-3 supplementation, which has been shown to reduce the risk of early preterm birth in women with low DHA status.
Is this test suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes. This test is particularly useful for those on plant-based diets to assess DHA status and determine the need for algae-based omega-3 supplements.
When should I take this test?
It's recommended to test before 20 weeks of pregnancy to allow sufficient time for any necessary dietary adjustments or supplementation. Retest in 4 weeks.
What’s the best way to raise DHA levels during pregnancy?
The most effective way to increase DHA is through high-quality omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil or algae-based DHA — especially if you consume little or no oily fish. Clinical studies show that supplementing with 500–1000 mg of DHA daily can raise levels to the optimal range within 6–8 weeks.
What if my DHA level is already above 5%?
If your level is already in the optimal range, additional supplementation may not be necessary. Maintaining a consistent intake of omega-3s through diet or moderate supplementation can help sustain healthy DHA status throughout pregnancy.
What does the test include
Your kit includes everything you need to collect and return your sample from home: a dried blood spot (DBS) collection card, lancets, alcohol wipe, gauze pad, bandage, full instructions, and a return envelope. You’ll also receive a secure lab report with your Prenatal DHA results and reference ranges.
How accurate is the Prenatal DHA test from a dried blood spot?
The Prenatal DHA measured from dried blood spot (DBS) samples is highly accurate and validated against whole blood and red blood cell (RBC) measurements used in clinical research. Our lab uses validated methods and external proficiency standards to ensure your results are consistent and clinically reliable, even with just a few drops of blood from a finger prick.
How long until I get results?
Once your sample is received by the lab, your results will be available within 3-5 business days.
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