We all know that it’s important to take a prenatal multivitamin before, during, and after pregnancy. But are there other supplements that we should consider? And why?
Omega-3’s
A recently updated Cochrane review analyzed 70 studies on omega-3’s in pregnancy. For those who are unaware, Cochrane publishes very thorough and high quality reviews on current scientific evidence. So what did they find?
Pregnant women taking omega-3’s are less likely to develop pre-eclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive condition associated with pregnancy that requires medical attention.
Preterm births are reduced if the mother supplements with omega-3’s.
If the mother takes omega-3’s, she is 11% less likely to deliver preterm (<37 weeks) and 42% less likely to deliver earlier than 34 weeks (early preterm).
The baby benefits from mom’s omega-3 intake.
Babies are less likely to have low birth weight if mom supplemented with omega-3’s. Omega-3’s are also associated with reduced neonatal care admissions.
Choosing an omega-3
Omega-3’s can be found in the diet or supplemented. Dietary sources include fatty fish, walnuts, flax seed oil, or chia seeds.
Considering typical eating patterns, supplementation is often recommended. In addition, quality omega-3 fish oils are tested for mercury and contamination. So supplements may be safer for pregnant women than consuming fish.
Choose a quality fish oil that has both EPA/DHA amounts listed, and a quality brand. If you have questions, please see your naturopath!
Yours in health,
Jessica Heupel
Source: Middleton P, Gomersall JC, Gould JF, Shepherd E, Olsen SF, Makrides M. Omega‐3 fatty acid addition during pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018, Issue 11. Art. No.: CD003402. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003402.pub3.
