It’s now pretty clear that there are lots of positive health benefits to taking fish oil supplements. But what about during pregnancy? Should you take fish oil during 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.

And the second question is, what are the health benefits to both the mother and the baby of taking fish oil in pregnancy?

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 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.

Some studies are now showing that fish oil supplements in pregnancy can increase the supply of DHA to the fetal brain with some or all of the following benefits:

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

and a lot more.

And some studies even show that low levels of DHA in pregnancy can lead to a higher risk of cesarean.

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

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

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.

So should you eat fish for your Omega 3 fats? Well that’s fine, except that you’d better not eat too much because there are US government agencies like the FDA that tell us not to eat a lot of fish, especially during pregnancy, as it is contaminated with nasty toxins like mercury. So how do you get your DHA in pregnancy? You take fish oil supplements. The good ones aren’t contaminated. Not all are good.

Visit my website to find out more about fish oil in pregnancy, as well as how to compare the different fish oil supplements available.

Want to know more about Fish Oil Benefits? Or more about taking Fish Oil In Pregnancy? Visit Peter’s Website Healthy Omega 3 Fish Oil.

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