Omega-3 in pregnancy: benefits for mother and baby

Omega-3 in pregnancy: 6 benefits every mom should know

1. Blood pressure under control.
2. Well-developed brain.
3. Efficient placenta.
4. Full-term birth, everything on schedule.
5. Reduced risk of miscarriage and a safer pregnancy.
6. Stable mood for a peaceful postpartum.

These are some of the benefits that Omega-3s provide, all scientifically proven: in this first phase of life together, these essential fatty acids can truly make a difference for you and your baby.

Omega-3 during pregnancy: 9 months of well-being

You are about to embark on the most exciting journey of your life. And we are here to remind you that taking Omega-3 during pregnancy brings various benefits. Which ones?

Preeclampsia: when blood pressure rises, Omega-3 steps in
The first action performed by essential fatty acids concerns blood pressure, a factor influencing the risk of preeclampsia, a syndrome characterized by circulatory problems and high levels of triglycerides in the blood. This syndrome can cause complications before, during, and after birth.

Good news: research shows that Omega-3s contained in fish oil reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia, because:

• They regulate blood pressure.
• They reduce blood triglyceride levels.
• They improve the functioning of veins and arteries.

In particular, a study published in the journal Epidemiology demonstrated that increasing the Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio by 15% can reduce the risk of preeclampsia by 46%. 

An especially interesting finding, also confirmed by researchers at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle who measured the Omega-3 content in the red blood cells of 22 women with preeclampsia and 40 women with normal blood pressure. What emerged? That women with lower Omega-3 levels had about 8 times the likelihood of developing the syndrome.

The baby's nervous system: support it with Omega-3

Your baby's nervous system development also depends on Omega-3s. Did you know? More precisely, on a precious essential fatty acid: DHA, docosahexaenoic acid.

But research shows Omega-3s can do even more for your baby, they can:

• Promote proper brain development.
• Increase intelligence.
• Prevent overweight and high blood pressure risk.

At 15 months old, children whose mothers took Omega-3s during pregnancy show better psychomotor development.

Placenta: more nutrients
Omega-3s improve blood flow. You already know that. But perhaps you don't know that this effect also promotes proper blood flow in the placenta, allowing a more efficient exchange of nutrients and oxygen between you and your baby.

Full-term birth
The risk of premature birth is another danger that Omega-3s help you counteract. Proper supplementation of essential fatty acids during pregnancy indeed increases the chances that the baby's birth weight is normal and that their lungs are fully developed. 

Likewise, an adequate level of Omega-3 also reduces the risk of miscarriage.

Prevention of postpartum depression

And after the big day? Omega-3s continue to support you. Studies show that expectant mothers consuming high amounts of fish oil rich in Omega-3s have a lower chance of developing postpartum depression. 

Omega-3 in pregnancy: transferring benefits from mom to baby

The benefits of Omega-3s, as we've seen, are transferred from mom to baby. You might now be wondering how this transfer happens. 

Scientific studies have revealed that pregnant women have lower levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) compared to non-pregnant women. At the same time, newborns show higher concentrations of essential fatty acids than their mothers. The reason? Omega-3s are transferred from mom to baby.

But how does this transfer occur? Through red blood cells, which are the primary carriers of fatty acids.

Pregnant women can, because of this “transfer,” experience Omega-3 deficiency. Essential fatty acid reserves might not be sufficient to sustain a pregnancy, so it is always important to ensure an adequate supply of Omega-3 before and after pregnancy.

How much and which Omega-3s during pregnancy?

Now for the practical advice: what is the amount of Omega-3 to take during pregnancy? 

A group of experts led by Artemis P. Simopoulos, a physician and nutritionist specialized in Omega-3 use, answers: the right amount to take during the last 3 months of gestation and during breastfeeding is 300 milligrams of Omega-3 per day.

This dosage guarantees the right nutrient supply to meet the needs of both mom and newborn. 

But which sources of Omega-3 are we talking about? Not all are equal. And not all are recommended. For example: flaxseed oil is not always recommended because its components can influence the activity of certain hormones (like estrogens). Fish consumption during pregnancy must also be monitored due to contamination risks.

So, what is the best source of Omega-3 during pregnancy? Fish oil is an excellent support, and contains DHA quantities far superior to flaxseed oil.

One important thing: before taking a supplement in this delicate phase of your life, ask your doctor for advice.

Remember: nourishing your well-being with Omega-3 is a gift you give your baby to help them grow strong and healthy. Taking essential fatty acids during pregnancy has no negative effects on the fetus or the natural course of pregnancy. Omega-3s only bring benefits.

We are here, from the very beginning, to make a difference in your life.