Is Fish Oil Suitable for Pregnant lady?

Customer A : I am pregnant. Can i take fish oil?? Is it safe ??

Customer B : What are the advantages of fish oil for pregnant lady or the baby?

Omega 3 ( DHA & EPA)

Benefits of fish oil for both pregnant ladies and babies: 

       Many believes that taking DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), especially during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy can help in the development of baby's brain, eyes & central nervous system. Other benefits of fish oil includes reducing pre-term labour and delivery and increase birth weight. Also, it may decrease mother's risk of depression.

Benefits of consuming DHA

         However, currently there is not enough evidence to draw any firm conclusions that fish oil can really help in the development of cognition in babies.

Is it safe to take fish oil during pregnancy?
        There are some unpleasant effects that some mother-to-be may experience, e.g : reflux or 'fishy burps', stomach upsets and maybe fishy taste in the mouth. These are usually rare and not dangerous and usually go away with time or when you stop consuming these products. 

Some products that are available in Malaysia

There are many brands available in the market today. So, how do we choose?? 

1) The right proportion of DHA : EPA
2) Odour & taste : should be fresh and odourless ( risk of vomiting if not)
3) Mercury free

Points to remember :
When we mention fish oil in this article, we are not referring to cod liver oil. Consuming cod liver oil during pregnancy may posses a risk of developing vitamin A toxicity that is harmful to babies.

Some articles that you can read :
1) American Pregnancy Association : Omega fish oil and Pregnancy
2) Mayo clinic :  Pregnancy and fish

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