Is it possible for pregnant women to take fish oil: rules for use, contraindications, features and reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Fish oil includes all the benefits of fat-soluble vitamins, omega-3, which are especially needed by the body of the expectant mother. When carrying a child, a deficiency of these nutrients appears, since some of them are spent on the development of the fetus. Can pregnant women take fish oil? The answer to this question is presented in the article.

A little about the drug

Fish oil is a not very pleasant smelling oily liquid. This is an extract from cod liver. The main value of the product lies in the presence of vitamins E, A, D. It also contains Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil is rich in calcium, iodine and iron. These components are needed for the growth of the child, the formation of the musculoskeletal system, hematopoiesis.

Is it allowed?

This biologically active substance has a completely natural origin. During production, the fat undergoes a multi-stage molecular purification that eliminates harmful impurities and toxins. Is it possible to fishfat pregnant? It is safe for the female body. It is useful to use it to normalize the reproductive function and other organs. Fish oil is useful for both middle-aged children and the elderly. Doctors not only allow, but also advise it to pregnant women. Of course, if there are no contraindications.

Lack of PUFAs and vitamin components appears in almost all women during pregnancy. Therefore, fish oil is simply necessary in this position. According to reviews, many women in an interesting position resort to this remedy. However, at the same time, is it possible for pregnant women to take fish oil in capsules, the doctor should decide based on the tests received.

Benefit

Do pregnant women need fish oil? During pregnancy planning, this remedy normalizes the hormonal background, stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone in the right ratio, which is necessary for egg maturation and ovulation.

During the 1st trimester, a vitamin remedy reduces the risk of miscarriage and reduces the tone of the uterus, which preserves and prolongs pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acids are also needed for the prevention of toxicosis of the 1st half of pregnancy. In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, the load on the heart and blood vessels increases. Can pregnant women take fish oil at this time? Not only is it possible, it is necessary. It also protects against the appearance of hypertension in pregnant women.

After giving birth, fish oil helps to normalize the emotional state of a woman. It is also used to prevent depression. Prenatal fish oil benefits because of:

• blood flow activation andtrophic in the placenta;
• full bookmark and differentiation of the nervous system;
• prevention of hypovitaminosis D;
• prevention of metabolic disorders;
• ensure proportional physical development;
• reducing the risk of allergies in a child.

It is because of these properties that women who are carrying a child should take this substance. As evidenced by the reviews, although fish oil for pregnant women is useful, it is still better to consult a specialist before taking it.

Influence on the child

According to experts, fish oil has the following effect on the unborn child:

1. Doctors prescribe a supplement for poor oxygenation of the fetus. Due to the increase in blood circulation and outflow to the placenta, the risk of hypoxia decreases. Usually, women who consume this supplement have a child in due time.
2. Thanks to retinol visual and hearing aids are properly formed. If mothers take dietary supplements during pregnancy, then after birth, the risk of allergies to anything decreases. This greatly simplifies the life of the child.
3. Due to the correct and moderate intake of fat, the formation of the cerebral hemispheres of the child occurs. The kid will be smart and quick-witted. And if the mother has diabetes, then dietary supplements reduce the risk of transmitting the disease to the baby.
4. Many babies are born prematurely, because due to the modern rhythm of life, many mothers cannot fully relax and get the right vitamin D. It is in fat, so the likelihood of a he althy baby is increased.child on time. Another supplement serves as a prevention of rickets.
5. Even after having a baby, doctors recommend not to stop taking the supplement, because fat has a beneficial effect on lactation. There is an increase in milk production, its fat content increases, bitterness is removed. A mother needs a dietary supplement to overcome depression after childbirth.
6. The remedy is prescribed for pregnant women to compensate for the lack of Omega-3. The drug perfectly perform this task.

Side effects

Fish oil can lead to:

• loss of appetite, nausea;
• diarrhea, loose stools;
• constipation;
• headaches;
• high blood pressure;
• nasopharyngitis;
• depression.

These are the side effects of taking the drug. In the early stages, the drug acts as a mild anticoagulant, increases the risk of bleeding. And its ability to lower blood pressure can be harmful to a woman.

The body of a pregnant woman is individual. No one is able to predict what will be the reaction to the drug. Therefore, it is important to monitor personal feelings and notify the attending physician about minor changes in well-being.

The likelihood of side effects is markedly reduced if the supplement is taken with water. It is necessary to start taking the drug with small doses, gradually increasing them to the norm prescribed by the doctor.

Contraindications

Considering the topic of whether pregnant women can take fish oil,you should be aware of the contraindications. It should not be taken at:

• endocrine pathologies of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland;
• thyroid lesions;
• urolithiasis;
• pulmonary tuberculosis;
• cholelithiasis, inflammation of the gallbladder and ducts;
• chronic pancreatitis.

When a pregnant woman develops other ailments with relative contraindications, complexes are prescribed if the risk of side effects is less than the benefit for the baby and mother.

Interaction

Can pregnant women drink fish oil if they are taking other vitamin supplements? In this case, you need to be careful. The fish product contains high concentrations of vitamin D and A. Due to an overdose of the second component, a teratogenic effect on the fetus is provided. It can also lead to miscarriage in the 1st half of pregnancy.

A large amount of vitamin B accumulates and deposits calcium s alts in the renal tubules and increases the risk of birth injuries in a child. Therefore, it is important to consider whether other products with these components are accepted.

Admission rules

Is it possible for pregnant women to take fish oil in capsules, an obstetrician-gynecologist should decide. This specialist determines and appropriate doses based on the he alth of the woman.

With normal reproductive he alth during pregnancy planning, the dose does not differ from the norm for an adult - 1-2 capsules per day, which is equal to about 500 mg of fatty acids. Starting rate is 1month.

Fish oil during IVF pregnancy planning is considered the "gold standard". It is prescribed with folic acid to restore the hormonal system and ensure the release of a he althy egg. In this situation, the conversion of the amount of fish oil is performed by the concentration of omega acids. Gynecologists recommend consuming 1,000 mg of omega-3s a day.

According to doctors, fish oil capsules are effective for pregnant women. Reviews of experts indicate that it is especially needed in the early stages, when the laying and formation of the structures of the neural tube and the heart of the child is carried out. Usually, doctors recommend sticking to the norm of 500 mg. The ratio of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids should be 1:2. In case of estrogenital ailments in the mother or data on miscarriages during the 1st trimester in the woman's history, the dose may be increased by 200 mg.

During the 2nd trimester, the doses remain the same. It is important for a future mother to monitor her well-being. If you experience unusual symptoms, you should stop taking the drug and visit a doctor.

In the 3rd trimester, fish oil should be consumed in the same way, the main thing is that there is no drug intolerance or allergy. In the later stages, there is a risk of preeclampsia and gestosis. If threatening symptoms occur, the doctor can increase the dosage based on the well-being of the pregnant woman.

After giving birth, it is advisable to take 500-600 mg of omega-3 acids for 4-6 months. Often the reception lasts during breastfeeding. It is advisable to use the special "Postnatal" complex, inwhich have all the valuable substances to restore the body.

Admission recommendations

Before using fish oil, there are some guidelines to consider.

1. Don't take the supplement on an empty stomach as it can cause gastrointestinal upset.
2. It is advisable to take vitamin E with fish oil, if it is not in the composition. Tocopherol protects against fatty acid oxidation.
3. Don't use the supplement after the 2 year expiration date.
4. Capsules should be stored in a dry place that is protected from sunlight. The temperature should be no more than 25 degrees.

If you do not like the taste of the drug, it is advisable to eat salmon, halibut, mackerel, sardine. You need to eat about 150 g of fatty fish 3 times a week.

Best drugs

Which is the best fish oil for pregnant women? When choosing a dietary supplement, it is necessary to take into account the concentration of fatty acids (the norm is at least 500 mg per serving), the amount of DHA should be 2 times higher than EPA. According to reviews, during pregnancy, it is better to choose fish oil in capsules that do not have an unpleasant aftertaste and aroma, which makes it easier to take. Contains no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.

Whether pregnant women can take fish oil depends on the state of he alth. The most popular drugs include:

1. Nordic Naturals, DHA. There are no fragrances in the preparation. The price is about 3000 rubles.
2. Nordic Naturals, PrenatalDHA. The product contains 90 soft capsules. The cost is about 2000 rubles.
3. Nordic Naturals, Postnatal Omega-3. The preparation includes 60 soft tablets. The price is about 2000 rubles.

Where to buy?

Food supplements are available in retail pharmacies and online stores. The range of vitamins is small, often there is no premium products from American and European pharmaceutical companies. Therefore, you can purchase fish oil on the iHerb website. This is due to the following benefits:

1. The online store sells only original products from companies from Europe and America. The quality of goods is checked by international independent laboratories.
2. Products are sorted by rating, ratings and customer reviews.
3. The cost of dietary supplements is 25-50% less compared to other dietary supplement sites.
4. The "iHerb Reward" program is running, offering an additional discount on purchases.
5. Because automation is in place, the process of processing and sending the parcel is carried out on the payment date.
6. Free shipping in Russia.
7. Help support staff available 24/7.

Thus, fish oil is an essential nutrient for the normal course of a woman's entire pregnancy. According to doctors, to make up for the lack of these nutrients, it must be taken from the 1st trimester of pregnancy and continued for several months after childbirth. Then the lack of itsubstance will not.