Omega-3 fatty acids are essential compounds that your body cannot make; the only source of omega-3 fatty acids is from the food you eat. Omega-3 fatty acids play important roles throughout the body, particularly in the brain. While consuming enough omega-3 fatty acids is important for every person, it may be particularly important for pregnant women, because omega-3 fatty acids may play a critical role in the development of a baby's brain during pregnancy.
Function
Omega-3 fatty acids play several key roles in the body. As a component of the cell membrane, which is the protective layer that surrounds every cell in your body, omega-3 fatty acids help to regulate the formation and function of cell membranes, including what substances enter and leave cells. Omega-3 fatty acids are also the precursors of a family of signaling molecules called eicosanoids that regulate many biological processes in the body, including inflammation and the immune response. Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids increase the inflammatory response of the immune system, which can lead to autoimmune disorders.
Role in Pregnancy
The cell membranes of nerves in the brain contain very high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. When a pregnant mother does not consume sufficient levels of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy, the infant faces a greater risk of problems affecting the nervous system, particularly vision. Additionally, lows levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of premature birth, reports an article published in the Fall 2008 issue of the medical journal "Reviews In Obstetrics And Gynecology."
Dietary Sources
Seafood is the richest dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially two specific types of omega-3 fatty acids that are heavily involved in regulating brain development, called eicosapentaenoic acid, abbreviated EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, abbreviated DHA. Shrimp, sardines, salmon and other fatty fishes contain the highest levels of EPA and DHA. Due to the risk of mercury contamination, you should only consume two servings of fish each week. Another type of omega-3 fatty acid, called linolenic acid, is found in certain types of vegetable oils, including flaxseed, soybean and canola oils. However, linolenic acid does not play the same role in fetal development as EPA and DHA.
Supplements
Eating two servings of fish per week will likely not provide enough EPA and DHA to meet a pregnant mother's needs, according to the article published in Reviews In Obstetrics And Gynecology. The authors of the study recommend also taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil supplements, that have been purified of contaminating mercury. You should check the label to ensure that the supplements provide both EPA and DHA types of omega-3 fatty acids. As with any health supplement, you should consult your doctor before taking fish oil supplements.
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