Fish oil is a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docoshexaenoic acid, or DHA. These omega-3 fatty acids play a role in brain development, reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure. Since they can't be manufactured by the body, DHA and EPA must be obtained through foods or supplements. Consuming fish oil doesn't increase your risk for pre-eclampsia but instead may lower it.
Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia refers to high blood pressure during pregnancy. If left untreated, pre-eclampsia can have serious consequences, such as low birth weight and preterm birth. Although the cause of pre-eclampsia is not known, possible causes could be insufficient blood flow to the uterus and damaged blood vessels. Doctors often recommend blood pressure medication and corticosteroids for treating pre-eclampsia, according to the Mayo Clinic.
EPA and DHA
The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA don't increase your risk for pre-eclampsia, according to a review performed by researchers at Malmo University Hospital and the University of Lund in Sweden. They concluded that omega-3 supplementation, such as fish oil, may prevent pre-eclampsia by reducing inflammation of the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and decreases blood pressure. The findings were reported in the October 2004 issue of "Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey."
Omega-3s and Pre-eclampsia Risk
Scientists at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, studied the relationship between omega-3s status and risk of pre-eclampsia. They discovered that pre-eclamptic women with the lowest omega-3 levels were more than likely to suffer from complications caused by pre-eclampsia compared with those who had the highest omega-3 levels. In addition, researchers found that an increase in the ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s reduced the risk of pre-eclampsia, according to findings published in the May 1995 issue of "Epidemiology."
Interactions
Fish oil can interact with medications, such as blood-pressure medications and blood-thinning medications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Speak to your health-care provider before taking fish oil supplements.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Pre-eclampsia; April 2011
- "Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey"; Women and Omega-3 Fatty Acids; P. Saldeen and T. Saldeen; October 2004
- "Epidemiology"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Maternal Erythrocytes and Risk of Pre-eclampsia; M.A. Williams et al.; May 1995
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; 2011
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