Evening primrose oil and flax seed oil are sources of different essential fatty acids. Evening primrose oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, while flax seed oil is high in omega-3s. Both types of fatty acids are essential to the diet; while the body needs them, it cannot produce them by itself. However, their safety for use by pregnant women is open to debate.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is a dietary supplement you can purchase over-the-counter. It looks much like a fish-oil capsule: a yellowish fluid in a clear gel shell. Evening primrose oil comes from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, and is a source of the omega-6 fatty acids GLA and LA. These stand for gamma-linolenic acid and linolenic acid, respectively. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, evening primrose oil contains around 25 percent omega-6 fatty acids, which are a type of essential acid not produced by the body. Evening primrose oil has been used as a natural treatment for conditions such as breast pain and eczema; however, according to Medline Plus, it can also serve as a natural treatment for pregnancy-induced hypertension. In addition, some pregnant women may use evening primrose supplements to initiate labor, especially when past the due date, and to make labor easier.
Flax Seed Oil
Like evening primrose oil, flax seed oil contains essential fatty acids. However, the fatty acids in flax oil caplets, which look similar to evening primrose caplets, are omega-3s. In particular, flax seed oil is high in ALA, or alpha-linolenic acid, which is broken down by the body and used to create other essential fatty acids. Many people use flax seed oil as a laxative. However, when it comes to pregnancy, flax seed oil is reputed to have almost the opposite effect as evening primrose oil: it is thought to stop or delay spontaneous premature delivery.
Supplements During Pregnancy
Pregnant women must always be cautious when it comes to over-the-counter supplements, even though they don't require a doctor's prescription. While both evening primrose oil and flax seed oil have anecdotal uses for pregnant women, the scientific evidence supporting their use is minimal. Per MayoClinic.com, the evidence for flax oil use during pregnancy is unclear: so unclear that its experts recommend pregnant women avoid it altogether. Flax seed oil has the potential to alter the hormonal balance, which can be dangerous during pregnancy. Evening primrose oil is also not recommended for use by pregnant women, at least not during early pregnancy. Medline Plus reports it is possibly unsafe for pregnant women, despite the fact that it has been used by some during labor.
Bottom Line: Safety
Because over-the-counter supplements can harm both you and your unborn baby, your best bet is to avoid them during pregnancy unless advised to do otherwise by your obstetrician. Despite the health benefits of omega-3s and omega-6 fatty acids, flax seed oil and evening primrose oil may simply not be safe for pregnant women. Until further research is performed regarding their effect on pregnant women and their developing babies, look to your diet for your essential fatty acids. Try low-mercury cold water fish and nuts and beans, which provide plenty of omegas in addition to other health benefits.
Member Comments