DHA Fish Oil in Pregnancy

The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, helps your body function properly. Though many people believe that all dietary fats are unhealthy, DHA has many positive effects on health, especially during pregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Pregnant and lactating women can take fish oil as one of their main sources of DHA.

Facts

Cold-water, fatty fish such as salmon, lake trout, herring, swordfish, mackerel, albacore tuna and sardines contain DHA. According to the American Heart Association, DHA can cause major improvements in heart health, such as lowering triglyceride levels and blood pressure.
Because DHA functions at the cellular level, proper brain development and nervous tissue development cannot take place without it, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

DHA and Pregnancy

The DHA consumed by the mother during pregnancy directly affects the growing fetus by providing what it needs for proper eye and brain tissue development, according to the American Pregnancy Association. If taken in capsule form, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 200 mg of DHA per day during pregnancy.

Sources of DHA Fish Oil

You can get DHA in supplement form, such as fish oil capsules or in your prenatal vitamins. An alternative or supplement to eating fish, the fish oil capsule "appears to contain almost no mercury," according to the National Institutes of Health. You can buy DHA fish oil capsules over the counter, or your physician may prescribe them for you. Consult your health care provider to find out the best method of supplementation for you.

Benefits After Pregnancy

According to the American Pregnancy Association, DHA fish oil in pregnancy may help prevent postpartum depression. According to the National Institutes of Health, studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids help relieve with postpartum depression, but a solid conclusion will require more studies.

Safety

During pregnancy, the FDA recommends that you completely avoid king mackerel, swordfish, tile fish and shark because these fish may contain high levels of mercury. You should also limit all other fish consumption to twelve ounces per week, according to the Mayo Clinic.
According to the National Institutes of Health, you should avoid taking a fish oil supplement if you have any type of fish allergy or sensitivity because it may cause a reaction. You may experience gastrointestinal upset with fish oil supplements.