You can ingest fish oil by taking supplements or by eating fish like mackerel, tuna, salmon, anchovy and sardines. People usually take fish oil because the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are purported to treat a number of health conditions, including some associated with pregnancy. Because research is inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of fish oil for pregnancy-related issues, and because of potential safety concerns, it is important to educate yourself on the subject and consult your doctor before use.
Pregnancy Complications
Many take fish oil to avert pre-term delivery and high blood pressure late in pregnancy. According to Medline Plus, although fish oil may help prevent premature delivery when taken during the final 10 weeks of pregnancy, it does not seem to have any effect on high blood pressure.
Infant Development
Medline Plus notes some evidence that 4 g of fish oil taken daily during the final 20 weeks of pregnancy may help improve infant cognitive development in certain areas like eye-hand coordination. When taken during pregnancy, fish oil may also help reduce the severity of mother's atopic dermatitis among those predisposed to this skin condition.
Fish Liver Supplements
Supplements manufactured using fish liver, like cod liver oil, are not safe to take during pregnancy. This is because cod liver oil contains high levels of retinol, which can harm a fetus. As a precaution, UK's Baby Centre recommends only taking supplements made from the body of fish.
Environmental Polllutants
Certain fish species are exposed to environmental pollutants like dioxins, methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenyls that are particularly dangerous to health during nursing and pregnancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, fish oil supplements do not contain these contaminants and are a safer option than consuming fresh fish during pregnancy.
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