Pregnancy requires that an expectant mother take good care of her health and nutrition. Health care professionals routinely prescribe prenatal vitamins as a form of prenatal health care both for the mother and the baby. Fish oils are another vitamin source that can benefit pregnant women. The omega-3 fatty acids found in this type of supplement is beneficial to the developing baby and growing mother.
Fish Oil as a Supplement in Pregnancy
According to Bella Online, for "the development of a smart, healthy baby, good nutrition during pregnancy requires the omega-3 DHA and EPA fatty acids found in fish oil. Yet 85% of women are deficient... Studies show only 2% of pregnant women have diets that meet their needs for omega-3 DHA and EPA". In order to meet their daily needs, pregnant women should take a fish oil supplement to aid in proper development of the baby.
Recommended Dosage of Fish Oil in Pregnant Women
The recommended daily dosage of fish oil by many nutritionists is 900mg. Since most women will not get this from the food they eat, taking a supplement helps meet their daily need. If taking the capsules, be sure to buy the best quality fish oil supplements, since many of the cheaper versions may stem from fish that were not necessarily free of pollutants and contamination.
Health Benefits from Fish Oil in Pregnancy
A wide array of health benefits exist for both the mother and the developing baby from fish oil. The mother has a decreased chance of developing pre-eclampsia or brain loss during pregnancy. She also has a lowered risk of preterm labor, c-section delivery, post-partum depression as well as breast cancer.
Fish oil helps aid in the development of a baby's brain, leading to high intelligence. Better development of the central nervous system and retina eye formation is another benefit for the baby. After birth, studies have revealed babies who received fish oil supplements from their mother demonstrate less behavioral problems and a better sleep pattern. A study has also been conducted that shows children whose mothers took fish oil during their pregnancy scored higher on hand-eye coordination and vocabulary (Science Daily).
Other Sources of Fish Oil
Besides taking supplements, a pregnant woman can receive her daily omega-3, DHA and EPA need through fish consumption. Flax seed is another form of these nurtrients. However, some doctors recommend against the intake of too much fish and taking flaxseed while pregnant. Since flaxseed may have an impact on the pregnancy hormones, it is advisable not to consume it during pregnancy.
Prenatal Care and Health
Pregnancy requires routine prenatal care in order to ensure both the baby and the mother fare well. Proper nutrition is extremely important for pregnant women, and taking a fish oil supplement alongside a prenatal vitamin can positively impact the pregnancy and developing baby.
Sources:
Bella Online, "Omega 3 Fish Oil and Pregnancy" (March 3, 2010)
Women's Health, "Omega 3 Fish Oil" (March 3, 2010)
Science Daily, "Fish Oil Consumption for Pregnant Mothers Boosts Kid's Hand-Eye Coordination" (March 3, 2010)
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