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?
There are a number of questions in this. Firstly is it safe to take fish oil in pregnancy? Yes it is. There are no documented risks to taking fish oil pregnancy for a normal healthy mother.
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 equally importantly what benefits are there to the fetus or the baby, later, from the mother taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy?
The studies have shown a wide range of benefits. In the US around 95% of adults are deficient in Omega 3 fats, particularly DHA, the most important Omega 3 fat found in fish.
The brain is made up of a high percentage of fat, and a lot of this fat is DHA. And during the third trimester the fetal brain requires quite a lot of DHA to develop fully. And if there is a deficiency of DHA this has later brain performance implications.
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. A beneficial, or preventative effect for ADHD. Improvements in visual acuity.
and a lot 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.
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. Lower risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Reduced risk of a cesarean birth. Reduced risk of breast cancer.
So, convinced of the benefits of taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy yet? Remember that 95% of US adults have too little DHA, that includes during pregnancy. It's not going to change 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.
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