Omega-3's and pregnancy

I have been meaning to post this for a while.

I just read this article from my midwife talking about Omega-3's and DHA's (a component of Omega-3 oils) in pregnancy.

It was so interesting. It talked about how abou 4,000 mg of EFA (essential fatty acids) from a combo of Omega -3 sources and evening primrose oil (Omega 6 oil that also has the same benifits for labor and brain growth) has such amazing benifits.

It talked about thining the cervix to promote shorter labors. This scared me a little until I read that it does not increase preterm labor and infact reduces the incidence of preterm labor. It talked about how it makes the skin and tissues more supple and whatnot (stretch mark help anyone).There was also shown to be less tearing in birth. It also prevents PP depression.

It is also essential for baby's brain growth. This is something I have heard before but, the above was new to me.

It did say that fish oils are the best for you as long as they are tested for low mercury. The ones sold in most stores are not. They said Efanatal by efamol is the best since is combines mercury free fish parts (not from fish liver) and primrose oil. But it seems that it is very difficult to find in the US.

The thing that they stressed was that to see the benifits these supplements should be used from early pregnancy on.

I just thought I would pass it along. Since I can't find any acceptable fish oils, for now, I am going to use Expecta by enfamil and maybe 2,500 mg of primrose oil also.

Message edited 11/19/2008 4:12:37 PM.

Re: Omega-3's and pregnancy

When I was pregnant with DD, I ate salmon three times a week, at DH's urging, who had also heard an interesting story on NPR about the benefits of Omega-3's during pregnancy.

My pediatrician jokes with us all the time that he attributes my DD's smartypants attitude, and extremely good health, to all the salmon I ate.

Ironically enough, salmon is now one of her favorite foods

Re: Omega-3's and pregnancy

Really! That is good to hear. I tried to find that article in full length online to link to it... but, all I could find was an abstract.

Re: Omega-3's and pregnancy

I heard all of this too. I really have to get back to taking them. I have had such a hard time with them , though b/c of m/s early on and the fish taste, and now heartburn. I am just going to suck it up, though. I just hope that it is not too late!

Re: Omega-3's and pregnancy

my prenatals have omega in them...but before I was taking them, I was taking an omega capsule everyday.

Re: Omega-3's and pregnancy

I am not taking supplements but we eat salmon A LOT... I also use flax seed oil and throw flax seeds into some stuff I make and that allso has tons of good omega threes

I think my midwife recomends to start taking evening primrose oil orally and vaginally around 36 weeks to start ripening the cervix