On Health Benefits of Fish Oils and Pregnancy - Page 2 we saw how fish oils and omega 3 fats can reduce your baby's risk for asthma and allergies.

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.

Infants benefit from fish oils during pregnancy by:

• higher overall levels of DHA

• possess better development in visual acuity (vision sharpness)

• exhibited higher developed brain function

• 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 you use Fish Oils for Post-Partum Depression?

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

Eighty-eight (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

It turns out 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. However, the main 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 Research:

There is numerous research on the health benefits of fish oils and omega 3 fatty acids. Research on fish oils and pregnancy specifically, appears to show the following benefits:

• Increased blood flow to uterus, promoting an environment more conducive to pregnancy.

• May lowering your risk of premature births.

• Improved immune response in newborn infants, lowering their risk for allergies.

• Improved performance on visual sharpness tests and displaying better body development.

• May be an appropriate supplement during hormone therapy.

• Increasing your intake of omega 3s or fish oils may lessen the severity of painful menstrual cramps.

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:

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