Pregnancy and Fish Oil Go Hand In Hand

Good nutrition is so important during pregnancy and fish oil is a vital part of a healthy diet plan during gestation. DHA is one of the omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil, which just happens to be one of the main building blocks for fetal brain development.

Since nearly 98% of women who are pregnant are DHA deficient in their normal diet and the fact that prenatal vitamins do not contain this vital nutrient, the Mayo Clinic recommends supplementing these with fish oil capsules. It is crucial to use a fish oil product that specifically contains the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA to receive the nutritional benefit necessary for mother and baby, so believe me when I write pregnancy and fish oil go hand in hand.

New studies have shown that besides being critical for proper fetal brain development, fish oil also plays an important role in the baby's retina formation and in nourishment of the nervous system. Again, the major nutrient mentioned refers to docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. Taking adequate amounts during the third trimester is of utmost importance. The recommended dosage is approximately 1,000 mg of omega-3 fish oil with DHA and EPA daily. It is always good to discuss this with a healthcare provider as each individual has her own specific needs.

Research has proven that not only do omega-3 essential fatty acids aid in meeting the nutritional requirements of the fetus, but also gives the mother many wonderful health benefits as well. In the book What to Expect When You Are Expecting, the authors expound on the fact that the polyunsaturated fatty acid DHA has been a major factor in reducing mood swings during pregnancy.

The risk of toxemia or pre-eclampsia, which affects approximately 7% of pregnancies, has been decreased when supplementing with DHA fish oil. These same studies have shown that this supplement helps in the mother's emotional well being resulting in less cases of postpartum depression.

A very encouraging article was written in Obstetrics & Gynecology (2003) disclosing their findings regarding pregnancy and fish oil. This publication stated that women who added fish oil with DHA to their diets have been able to increase the length of their pregnancy by up to six days, giving birth to a full term health baby rather than experiencing a premature delivery.

It is equally significant to maintain this same nutritional regimen after the baby is born and while breastfeeding since our bodies don't produce this essential nutrient and it is common for the mother to become deficient after giving birth. So along with thinking about pregnancy and fish oil, also think about omega 3 fatty acids after the baby is born. One can have confidence in having a healthy full-term pregnancy by caring for your body and taking in the necessary nutrients for both mother and baby.

Elizabeth Ruby is passionate about good health and is a firm believer in taking quality nutritional supplements. She has extensively researched Omega 3 fatty acids for optimal health. Check out her web site at http://www.omega-3-health.com/ to find out how she keeps her mind and body young and active, functioning fully with the help of Omega 3 Fish Oil.