Fish Oil and Pregnancy Nutrition: A Fishy Subject

Many health providers highly recommend taking fish oil as a supplement during pregnancy, while others avoid it at all costs. Just whom should you pay attention to? As a student midwife myself, I have done a lot of research on this topic and can tell you truthfully: whether or not you take fish oil as part of your pregnancy diet depends mainly on the brand you use.

Generic brands of fish oil supplements have been known to contain mercury, a heavy metal that is dangerous for anyone, much less for a developing baby. They are not as stringently monitored and checked to ensure that the dangerous chemicals and heavy metals are taken out of the oil.

Pharmaceutical grade fish oil is the best. Generally the oils that are pharmaceutical quality are molecularly-distilled. To produce this high of quality oil, the crude fish oil is put under an extreme vacuum, where it can boil at very low temperatures. As it is boiled off, the contaminants are boiled off by weight. Each healthy part of the fish oil, such as EPA or DHA compounds are distilled to a different location than the heavy metals and other dangerous substances are. Using molecular distillation ensures that each molecule of healthy fish oil is distilled into the holding tanks while the substances with higher boiling points (that the oil never reaches)--mercury, PB, and dioxins--remain in the pot. This process ensures that you and your baby are getting the healthiest and safest oil possible.

With all the hype surrounding fish oil these days, you might know about fish oil supplements, and then you might not. It is worth knowing; fish oil is known for many benefits. Let's start with the benefits that the mother gains. Of course, the oil is excellent for your skin, hair, and nails. This is because it is so rich in protein and Omega 3s, strengthening and hydrating all three. Omega 3s also benefits your thinking capabilities by helping your neurons fire better. Cardiovascular system, too, reap great rewards when you take fish oil supplements. It helps your arteries stay soft and pliant, feeds the heart, and offers a host of other blessings.

But what about the baby? If the generic brands are so bad for that little one, what about the high-quality oils? Studies have shown that taking pharmaceutical grade fish oil during pregnancy help the baby's brain growth and nervous system progress. In addition, preliminary studies suggest that taking this supplement also helps the baby develop sleeping patterns quicker after birth. It also helps a mother's milk to stay rich and full of nourishment for the little one. Indeed, from antenatal development through the first year, a mother's intake of a high quality fish oil is very beneficial to the baby.

For best results, I recommend asking your doctor what your dosage should be. It is always wise to include your healthcare provider in any decision you make for you and your baby!