If you are planning a pregnancy, currently expecting, or breastfeeding, there is one nutrient that deserves more attention than it typically gets: omega-3 fatty acids — specifically DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

These essential fatty acids play a foundational role in your baby's development, yet most women have no idea whether their levels are adequate. A simple at-home blood test can change that — and it might be one of the most important things you do during your pregnancy journey.

What Are DHA and EPA, and Why Do They Matter During Pregnancy?

DHA and EPA are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found primarily in fatty fish, algae, and certain supplements. During pregnancy, they serve several critical functions:

DHA for brain and eye development: DHA is a major structural component of the brain and retina. During the third trimester, your baby's brain undergoes rapid growth, and DHA accumulates at an accelerated rate. Research consistently shows that adequate maternal DHA intake is associated with better cognitive outcomes and visual development in infants.

EPA for inflammation and immune support: EPA helps regulate inflammatory pathways, which is important during pregnancy when the immune system undergoes significant changes. Adequate EPA levels support a healthy inflammatory response and may help reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.

Reduced risk of preterm birth: Multiple studies have found that women with higher omega-3 levels — particularly DHA — have a lower risk of preterm birth. The World Health Organization and several national health bodies now recommend omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy for this reason.

Why a Blood Test Is More Reliable Than Guessing

Many women take a prenatal vitamin and assume their omega-3 needs are covered. But here is the problem: not all prenatal vitamins contain meaningful amounts of DHA and EPA. Even those that do may not provide enough for women with low baseline levels or poor absorption.

Diet alone can also be unreliable. While eating oily fish two to three times per week is the standard recommendation, many women — especially those with dietary restrictions, food aversions during pregnancy, or concerns about mercury — struggle to meet this target consistently.

This is where a prenatal omega-3 blood test becomes invaluable. Rather than guessing whether you are getting enough, you can measure your actual DHA and EPA levels with a simple finger-prick test done at home.

Red Blood Cell Testing: The Gold Standard

Not all omega-3 tests are created equal. Standard blood tests often measure omega-3 levels in serum (the liquid part of blood), which reflects only your most recent meals — perhaps the last 24 to 48 hours of dietary intake.

A far more accurate approach is to measure omega-3 levels in red blood cells. Because red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 120 days, testing their fatty acid composition gives you a picture of your omega-3 status over the past three to four months. This is a much more stable and meaningful measurement, especially for pregnancy planning.

Our Prenatal Omega-3 Blood Test uses this red blood cell method, providing you with an accurate snapshot of your long-term DHA and EPA levels.

Who Should Consider This Test?

The prenatal omega-3 test is designed for women at any stage of the maternal journey:

Preconception: If you are planning a pregnancy, testing your omega-3 levels before conception gives you time to optimise your intake. Building up adequate DHA stores before pregnancy means your baby benefits from day one.

During pregnancy: If you are already expecting, knowing your current levels helps you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about diet and supplementation, particularly heading into the crucial third trimester.

Breastfeeding: DHA continues to be important after birth. Breast milk DHA content directly reflects the mother's dietary intake, and infants rely entirely on breast milk (or formula) for their DHA supply during the first months of life.

What to Do If Your Levels Are Low

If your test results show that your DHA or EPA levels are below the optimal range, there are several evidence-based steps you can take:

Increase dietary omega-3 sources: Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies are the richest sources of DHA and EPA. Aim for two to three servings per week, choosing low-mercury options.

Consider a quality omega-3 supplement: Look for a supplement that provides at least 200-300 mg of DHA per day, ideally alongside EPA. Algae-based supplements are available for those who prefer plant-based options.

Retest after 3-4 months: Because the red blood cell test reflects approximately 120 days of intake, retesting after three to four months of dietary changes or supplementation will show whether your levels have improved.

How the Test Works

Our at-home prenatal omega-3 test is designed to be simple and stress-free:

1. Order your kit — delivered to your door with free shipping across Australia.
2. Collect your sample — a quick finger-prick blood collection, done in the comfort of your home.
3. Send it back — use the prepaid return envelope included in your kit.
4. Get your results — clear, easy-to-understand results showing your DHA and EPA levels.

At just $69.95 AUD, it is an affordable way to gain peace of mind about one of the most important nutrients for your baby's development.

The Bottom Line

Omega-3 fatty acids are not optional during pregnancy — they are essential. Yet without testing, most women have no way of knowing whether their levels are adequate. A simple at-home blood test can give you the clarity you need to make confident decisions about your nutrition during this critical time.

Whether you are just starting to think about pregnancy or you are already well into your third trimester, knowing your DHA and EPA levels is one of the smartest steps you can take for both your health and your baby's future.

Shop the Prenatal Omega-3 Blood Test — $69.95 AUD with free Australian shipping