The role of omega-3 in pregnancy

Omega 3 fatty acids are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are necessary for normal human growth and development. Our body cannot produce them on its own, so it is necessary to take them in with food or with nutritional supplements. Previous research gives great importance to omega-3 fatty acids, especially their influence on the development and health of the child and on the health of the pregnant woman herself, later the mother.

Among the omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA acids stand out, which have numerous beneficial effects. It is well known that EPA and DHA contribute to heart health; while DHA contributes to the normal development of the brain and vision, making it crucial during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Competent institutions in the USA and Europe recommend a minimum intake of 200 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day for pregnant women.Fatty acid intake deficit is often present during pregnancy because pregnant women avoid blue fish, most often due to fear of potential mercury intake. In this case, it is extremely important to reach for food supplements that provide omega-3 fatty acids, i.e. EPA and DHA.

Scientific studies show that taking omega-3 fatty acids through dietary supplements during pregnancy has multiple positive effects. 

For example, it increases the possibility of conception, and affects the improved visual and cognitive functions of the child, and the effect itself is visible up to 4 years of age. Omega-3 fatty acids, according to research, reduce the risk of premature birth, preeclampsia, postpartum depression in the mother and have a positive effect on the child's weight.

DHA is especially highly concentrated in the brain and on the retinal membrane, especially on the photoreceptors, which is why it plays an important role in the field of vision and cognitive functions. The fetal brain begins to develop rapidly during the second half of pregnancy and continues to grow and develop after birth and during the first few years of life. Therefore, for the normal development of the brain and vision, it is extremely important to meet the needs for omega 3 fatty acids, especially during the second part of pregnancy.

Studies conducted on animals have shown that insufficient intake of omega 3 fatty acids during pregnancy is associated with visual and cognitive defects, which cannot be corrected by replenishing omega 3 fatty acids after birth, so it is necessary to insist on their adequate intake during pregnancy.

The intake of omega 3 fatty acids is also important during breastfeeding, it is said that this can also influence the reduction of the occurrence of allergies in children.

Mother's milk, among other things, contains fatty acids ALA and DHA, but conditions such as diabetes can change the profile of fatty acids in milk, as well as specific diets such as vegetarian, vegan or macrobiotic, if they do not contain foods from the sea or algae.

Premature birth is the main cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, so we definitely want to reduce its number. More EPA in the diet could reduce the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and reduce the production of prostacyclin (PGI2) and thus lead to muscle relaxation and stop the labor process.

The hypothesis that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the frequency of premature birth is confirmed by statistical data from the Faroe Islands, where women consume more fish than women from Denmark, babies are on average 141g heavier, and pregnancy lasts 5-7 days longer.

In a European study, 232 women with a history of preterm birth received either fish oil or placebo capsules from the twentieth week of pregnancy until delivery. The results showed that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil reduced the incidence of recurrent preterm birth from 33% to 21%.

Pregnancy is often accompanied by the appearance of depression, and after childbirth it occurs in 10-20% of women. Polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce inflammatory cytokine products, which are normally elevated in depressed patients.

Research shows that insufficient intake of marine fish or dietary supplements with omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy is associated with depression during pregnancy and after birth.

In one study, 52 pregnant women took part in fish oil capsules with 300mg DHA or a placebo during the 24-40th week of pregnancy. After giving birth, they were interviewed over several weeks and women who used fish oil capsules reported less symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to the placebo group.

Author: MD. Sanja Boras, specialist in gynecology and obstetrics (Poliklinika Boras)