Benefits of Fish Oils and Pregnancy - Page 3

Here we'll look at these healthy oils effects on mental development and post-partum depression....

Beijing, China - Scientists believe there's a direct relationship between the amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in pregnant (and lactating) women and the DHA nutrition and development of the fetus and baby.

Babies whose mothers took fish oil supplements during pregancy and lactation displayed higher overall levels of DHA, possessed better development in visual acuity (vision sharpness), exhibited higher developed brain function, and displayed better body development.

Studies on fish oils and pregnancy seem to support these results.

Over 50% of your brain is made up of DHA fatty acid. Increasing your DHA intake may have an effect on the brain function and development of your baby. I wonder if Einstein's mother ate lots of oily fish?

Can Fish Oils Reduce your Risk for Post-partum Depression?

With all these benefits of omega 3 fats, could you use them to reduce your risk for post-partum depression?

Wellington, New Zealand - A Pyschology department at Victoria University, New Zealand, did a study to see if eating fish will reduce the risk for post-partum depression.

88 first-time mothers participated in this study. Half this group scored positive on a Depression Screening Test and the other half was the Control group (they scored below the threshold for depression).

Fish consumption was measured during pregnancy and omega 3 levels and depression scores were measured post-pregnancy.

Researchers performed special calculations to see if there was any relationship between:

• The amount of fish eaten
• Omega 3 levels
• Test scores for post-partum depression

Researchers found no relationship between post-partum depression and either fish consumption in early pregnancy or omega 3 status after birth.

Apparently, eating fish will not decrease your risk of getting post-partum depression.

One problem with this study is they didn't use oily fish high in omega 3 fatty acids.

Other studies have determined that some people suffering from depression have lower levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in their bodies.

More research is needed to see if taking high potency fish oil supplements during pregnancy will influence onset of post-partum depression.

Summary of Fish Oils and Pregnancy Studies

Research shows combining fish oils and pregnancy has the following benefits:

Fish oils have many benefits for women. There doesn't appear to be any risk with taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy. The only possible side effect from fish oils is an increased risk for bleeding if you're on anti-coagulant medications.

Important Note: Always seek the advice of your Physician before combining fish oils and pregnancy.

Research References: