Should YOU Take Omega 3 In Pregnancy?

There is now pretty much evidence of the health benefits of Omega 3 polyunsaturated fish oil. But what about when you're pregnant. Should you take fish oil in pregnancy?

This is actually several questions. Firstly is it safe to take fish oil during pregnancy? Yes. There are no documented risks to taking fish oil in pregnancy for healthy normal mothers.

Secondly, what are the benefits of Omega 3 in pregnancy? This is really 2 questions. What are the benefits to the mother, and what are the benefits to the fetus, or to the infant after birth?

Studies have shown a wide range of benefits to healthy (and unhealthy) adults from taking more Omega 3 fats. The same benefits should apply to any pregnant woman. And more, see below.

But most importantly, what are the benefits, if any, to the fetus and later infant from the mother taking fish oil supplements in pregnancy?

Well studies have shown quite a wide range of benefits. About 95% of adults in the US are deficient in DHA, the most important of the Omega 3 fatty acids. You get DHA from fish oil.

The brain is made up of a high percentage of fat, and the most common fat in the brain is DHA. It is essential for good brain development. The fetal brain develops most during the third trimester of pregnancy, and during this time has a high demand for EFAs, or essential fatty acids. If there is a deficiency there are possible implications for brain development and later performance.

Studies have suggested that taking fish oil during pregnancy and thereby boosting the supply of DHA to the fetus can have the following benefits to the fetus:

Improved brain function. Increased ability to concentrate as a child. Improvements in hand/eye coordination. Improvement in the ability to concentrate. Better sleep patterns in infancy. Improvements in visual acuity. A beneficial, or preventative effect for ADHD.

and much more.

And studies have also shown that a low level of DHA during pregnancy can lead to a higher risk of premature birth and also to higher risk of needing a cesarean.

If you're pregnant you need to consider tracking down the best fish oil supplements and taking them. (Note that not all fish oil supplements are good)

That's a pretty impressive list. Lets look at the benefits of taking fish oil capsules during pregnancy to the mother again.

Lower risk of postpartum depression. Reduced risk of breast cancer. Lower risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Reduced risk of a cesarean birth.

Convinced to take fish oil supplements during your pregnancy yet? Remember, around 95% of the population are deficient in Omega 3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil, and that doesn't change when you're pregnant, unless you make it change.

Should you get your Omega 3 fats from eating fish? No problem, as long as you don't eat a lot. There are plenty of government warnings about eating fish due to mercury contamination. So how do you get your good healthy Omega 3 fats in pregnancy? Take Omega 3 capsules. The best ones aren't contaminated by mercury. But not all Omega 3 capsules are the same.