Omega 3 and Pregnancy
According to Crawford (1995), the first pregnancy-related need for PUFAs (both omega-6 and omega-3) occurs during
the three months prior to conception. This critical period for cell commitment and division requires ARA and DHA
to facilitate growth and development. It has been suggested that supplementation with fish oil, or increased fish
intake, during pregnancy prevents the pregnancy-induced hypertension, prolongs gestation, increases birth weight
and reduces the incidence of premature birth (Gerrard et al, 1991, Olsen et al, 1992). Recent data support the
view that the intake of DHA during pregnancy should be in the amount of at least 0.1-0.4 g/day (Crawford, 1995).
Fetal stage
DHA is important for optimal nervous system development. During the last trimester of pregnancy, when the fetal
demand for neural and vascular growth are greatest, there is an elevated accretion of DHA in the liver and brain
of the fetus. A maternal diet high in DHA will greatly enrich the DHA concentration in the blood of the newborn
infant. Even levels as low as 0.7g EPA+DHA/day during the period from 25th to 35th week of pregnancy seem to be
beneficial (Connor et al, 1995). DHA levels in maternal plasma are lower in multigravidae compared to primigravidae
and the smaller the baby, the lower DHA-level (Al et al, 1995). Consequently, it is therefore especially important
for multigravidae to increase the intake of DHA.
Pre-eclampsia
During pregnancy, blood lipids, triglycerides and cholesterol may rise several folds. There may also be an increase
in blood pressure. The risk of developing pre-eclampsia and subsequent premature birth is increased if these, otherwise
normal changes are increased above certain levels. Severe forms of pregnancy-induced hypertension have been reported
to be beneficially modulated by omega-3 fatty acids (Secher et al, 1991). In light of their very strong hypotriglyceridemic
and hypotensive effects, omega-3 fatty acids along with other nutritional factors, may be significant for the prevention
of pre-eclampsia. The maternal blood pressure responses depend on the ARA/EPA ratio in the vessel wall. Multicenter
studies are currently in progress and the first results are expected to be available primo 1997. In the meantime,
it would generally seem prudent to recommend an increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy. EPA will
benefit the mother's heart and circulation, and DHA will definitely be good for the development of fetal brain
and nervous system.
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