Unusual Benefits of Taking Omega-3 During Pregnancy -

Omega-3 fatty acids are getting a lot of attention, and if you’re pregnant, you may have been urged to take a daily supplement or eat fatty fish twice a week. It promotes healthy development of the fetus and a healthy mother. From brain development to less risk of post partum depression, omega-3 fatty acids are known to be important for healthy pregnancies. Here are several less well-known advantages to taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements during your pregnancy.

Unusual Benefits of Omega-3 Supplements During Pregnancy

Taking fish oil supplements or eating fish two to three times a week is beneficial for most people. In the United States, many people do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids which are found in fatty fish and fish oil supplements. These essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, so must be ingested. Many people are taking notice of these healthy fats because of the wide range of benefits they bring, positively impacting everything from joint health to brain health.

If you’re pregnant, many know that omega-3 fatty acids become even more important. Women often become depleted during pregnancy and the body uses the mother’s omega-3 fatty acids in the development of the baby. Omega-3 fatty acids help with healthy development of the baby’s brain, nervous system, and vision. Most doctors and expecting mothers are aware of these benefits. The benefits don’t stop there, however. Taking a fish oil supplement or eating fatty fish (be sure to look for fish low in mercury) brings good to the baby and mother in these more unknown ways.

Fish Oil Protects from Asthma

Pregnant women who either eat fish regularly or who take fish oil supplements help protect the baby from developing asthma, according to research.

Researchers at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla published a scientific review of two studies that conclude children whose mothers consume high-dose omega-3 fatty acids daily during the 3rd trimester are less likely to develop such breathing problems.

The review published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice examined two articles. The New England Journal of Medicine study included 346 pregnant women in their 3d trimester who took omega-3 fatty acids daily and 349 who took a placebo. The investigators also divided the trial population into three groups based on their blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The population with the lowest blood levels benefited the most from fish oil supplementation.

“Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be synthesized by humans and therefore are essential nutrients which are derived exclusively from marine sources,” said Lin. “It may be premature to recommend daily high dose fish oil supplementation during the 3rd trimester.”

“With almost equal to slightly higher cost, consuming 8-12 ounces (2-3 servings) of fish a week not only may attain the same asthma protection, but strengthens the nutritional benefits to infant growth and development,” said Lockey.

Fish Oil Strengthens the Baby’s Immune System

Parents and those who work with kids know how often they tend to get sick. During the fall and winter, parents may deal with a steady stream of viruses that range from mild sniffles to high fevers. Children’s immune systems are still developing. One way parents can support a healthy immune system is by taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy.

Research shows that women who take fish oil supplement while they are pregnant are more likely to deliver babies with stronger immune systems. One study found that babies whose mothers had taken fish oil while pregnant got sick less frequently at one month old and had less severe symptoms at 1, 3, and 6 months old.

Fish Oil Lengthens the Baby’s Attention Span

With so many pulls on children’s attention, it’s more important than ever to help support longer attention spans. By getting enough omega-3 fatty acids, either through supplements or by eating fish regularly, expecting mothers help their children’s attention span. Research shows that if a child’s mother had sufficient levels of these fatty acids when she delivered, that child had a longer attention span.