When To Take Fish Oil: During Pregnancy Is A Crucial Time For Your Mental Wellbeing

Omega 3 during pregnancy is critical for an expectant mother's mental wellbeing

In a recent randomized study, women who consumed docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during pregnancy had lower depression scores than women taking a placebo.

The research, presented at a conference in Washington DC, confirmed researchers’ theories that getting adequate amounts of omega 3 during pregnancy works to lower the risk of post partum depression.

The study involved 42 women between the ages of 20 and 28.  Half were given omega 3, and half were given a corn oil placebo pill.

The results of the study showed consistent results with depression scores that were 6 points lower than women taking the placebo.

Sources:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/741718

My-Omega-3′s Comments:

The results of the study confirm what we already know about the critical importance of getting enough essential fatty acids when you are expecting.

EFAs are critical to the development of baby’s eyes and brains.  Normal behaviour, problem solving skills, and hand-eye coordination have all been scientifically related to getting enough of these nutrients when the fetus is developing.

In order to ensure as healthy a baby as possible, a woman’s body naturally takes all available resources from her and provides it to the fetus.

If a woman is already deficient in omega 3, this leads to an even greater deficit, which scientists have related to post partum depression.  In several studies, women suffering from post partum depression have been shown to have lower levels of both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA.  Corresponding studies have shown that women who have an adequate level of DHA in their bodies, either from regular seafood consumption or from taking fish oil during pregnancy, were at less risk of developing PPD.

It’s important that women choose a fish oil high in DHA – they aren’t all high in DHA – in order to protect themselves from post partum depression.  In the University of Arizona Medical School study, just 500mg a day showed positive results, and doses of up to 1.4 grams showed the most noticeable effects on mood.

The focus is so often on ‘eating right for baby’ when a woman is pregnant.  This research shows that ‘taking care of mother’ could also have far-reaching effects, and taking fish oil during pregnancy is one way of preserving a mother’s mental well-being.