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Is Fish Oil Safe During Pregnancy?

Omega-3 fatty acids are strongly recommended during pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to a fetus' intellectual development by helping to reinforce neuronal connections in the brain. Unfortunately, eating fish or taking fish oil supplements may not be the best way to get omega-3 fatty acids.

  1. Dangers of Fish

    • Fish, while otherwise very healthy, can contain toxins and pollutants that can build up in a fetus' body and become poisonous to its development. Methyl-mercury, dioxin, PCBs, bacteria, viruses and parasites can all be found in fish. Freshwater and saltwater fish and shellfish are all potentially dangerous, though ocean fish are probably safer.

    Dangers of Fish Oil

    • The dangers of fish oil are the same as the dangers with fish. The pollutants and toxins are not necessarily removed from the fish oil before it is sold. These toxins can pass through the placenta to the fetus.

    Other Foods with Omerga-3 Fatty Acids

    • Pumpkin and flaxseed contain omega-3 fatty acids, though at lower levels than oily fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in grass-fed beef and the eggs of hens fed particular diets. Tofu, walnuts, canola oil, wheat germ and soybeans contain linolenic oil, a type of omega-3 fatty acid.

    Safe Supplements with Fish Oil

    • Supplements that contain fish oil that has been filtered or that has had the dangerous heavy metals removed, can be taken safely.

    Safe Supplements with Other Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Other supplements are made from non-fish ingredients like flaxseed. Taking these eliminates the minor risk that may still remain in filtered fish oil.

      Discuss all supplements with a doctor before taking them.

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