Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements in the form of fish oil is becoming increasingly popular because of the many health benefits it purportedly offers. A pregnant woman who is curious about taking fish oil may have concerns about taking a supplement in her condition. MedlinePlus reports that fish oil is likely safe in doses of 3 grams or less per day, even for pregnant women. Being aware of potential side effects of fish oil is especially important during pregnancy, and because there are no official recommendations for the use of fish oil, taking it under the care of a doctor is highly recommended.
Mercury Poisoning
Pregnant women are often advised not to eat certain varieties of fish because of the potential for mercury poisoning. Omega-3 fatty acids, the key ingredient in fish oil, are naturally found in fish, such as salmon, cod and shark. The likelihood of mercury presence in fish oil supplements is little to none, according to MayoClinic.com, but doctor supervision is still advised when taking any supplement or medication during pregnancy. Also, do not take fish oil supplements that are unrefined because of the possible presence of pesticide residue.
Drug Interactions
Pregnant women with conditions like high blood pressure or a heart condition that requires blood thinner medications should proceed cautiously with fish oil supplements. A small amount of evidence shows that the key health component to fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, can increase the risk of bleeding. So taking fish oil along with other medications should be discussed with your doctor first. Avoiding high doses of fish oil is also advisable as this increases the risk for bleeding further, sometimes manifesting as a nosebleed or blood in the urine, possibly for an extended amount of time, according to MayoClinic.com.
Background
A long list of potential health benefits to taking fish oil exists -- from strengthening cardiovascular health to lowering cholesterol. Pregnant women are generally advised to be very cautious with whatever they intake, from food to vitamins. Fish oil is no exception to this rule, but there is some evidence that points to the benefits of taking fish oil while pregnant. Fish oil is possibly effective for decreasing miscarriage and increasing live birth rates in pregnant women with a condition called antiphospholipid syndrome, according to Medline Plus. MayoClinic.com also reports there are suggestions that omega-3 fatty acid intake during pregnancy may increase birth weight and birth length. During pregnancy, it's especially important to talk to your doctor if you're considering taking fish oil or any other supplement.
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