Fish oil includes all the benefits of fat-soluble vitamins, omega-3s, 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 fish oil be pregnant? The answer to this question is presented in the article.
A little bit about the drug
Fish oil is a not very pleasant smelling oily liquid. This is an extract from the cod liver. The main value of the product lies in the presence of vitamins E, A, D. It also has 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 an absolutely natural origin. During production, the fat undergoes a multi-stage molecular purification, which eliminates harmful impurities and toxins. Can fish oil be pregnant? It is safe for the female body. It is useful to use to normalize reproductive function and other organs. Useful fish oil and 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 PUFA 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 have fish oil in capsules, the doctor should decide on the basis of the tests received.
Benefit
Do pregnant women need fish oil? During the planning period of pregnancy, this tool 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 period of 1 trimester, a vitamin remedy reduces the risk of miscarriage and reduces uterine tone, which preserves and prolongs pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acids are also needed for the prevention of toxicosis in 1 half of pregnancy. In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, the load on the heart and blood vessels increases. Can fish oil be pregnant at this time? Not only possible - necessary. It also protects against the appearance of hypertension in pregnant women.
After birth, fish oil helps to normalize the emotional state of a woman. It is also used to prevent depression. Pregnant fish oil is useful because of:
- activation of blood flow and trophism in the placenta;
- full bookmarks and differentiation of the nervous system;
- prevention of hypovitaminosis D;
- prevention of metabolic disorders;
- ensuring proportional physical development;
- reduce the risk of allergies in the child.
It is because of these properties that women carrying a child should take this substance. According to reviews, fish oil for pregnant women, although useful, is still better to consult with a specialist before taking.
Effect on the child
According to experts, fish oil has the following effects on the unborn child:
- Doctors prescribe an additive for poor enrichment of the fetus with oxygen. Due to increased blood circulation and outflow to the placenta, the risk of hypoxia is reduced. Typically, in women who consume this supplement, the child is formed on time.
- Thanks to retinol, visual and hearing aids are correctly formed. If mothers take dietary supplements during pregnancy, then after his birth the risk of an allergy to something decreases. This greatly simplifies the life of the child.
- Due to the correct and moderate intake of fat, the formation of hemispheres of the brain of the child occurs. The kid will be smart and smart. And if the mother has diabetes, then dietary supplements reduce the risk of transmitting the disease to the baby.
- Many babies are born prematurely, because due to the modern rhythm of life, many mothers cannot fully rest and get the necessary vitamin D. It is in fat, therefore, the likelihood of a healthy baby appearing on time increases. Another supplement is the prevention of rickets.
- Even after the appearance of the baby, doctors recommend that you do not stop taking the food supplement, because fat favorably affects lactation. There is an increase in milk production, its fat content increases, bitterness is removed. Supplements are needed by the mother to overcome depression after childbirth.
- The drug is prescribed for pregnant women to make up for the lack of Omega-3. The drug is excellent in this task.
Side effects
Fish oil can cause:
- decreased appetite, nausea;
- diarrhea, loose stools;
- constipation
- headaches;
- high blood pressure;
- rhinopharyngitis;
- Depression
These are side effects of taking the drug. In the early stages, the drug acts as a mild anticoagulant, increases the risk of bleeding. And his ability to lower blood pressure can be harmful to a woman.
The body of the pregnant individual. No one is able to predict what the reaction to the drug will be. Therefore, it is important to monitor personal feelings and, with minor changes in well-being, notify the attending physician about this.
The likelihood of side effects is significantly reduced if the supplement is used with water. You need to start taking the drug with small doses, gradually increasing them to the norm prescribed by the doctor.
Contraindications
Considering the topic whether it is possible for fish oil to pregnant women, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications. It can not be taken with:
- endocrine pathologies of the adrenal gland, 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, the complexes are prescribed if the risk of side effects is lower compared to the benefits for the baby and mother.
Interaction
Can pregnant women drink fish oil if they use other vitamin products? In this case, care must be taken. The fish product includes high concentrations of vitamin D and A. Due to an overdose of the second component, a teratogenic effect on the fetus is ensured. It can also lead to a miscarriage in 1 half of pregnancy.
A large amount of vitamin B accumulates and deposits calcium salts in the renal tubules and increases the risk of birth injury in the child. Therefore, it is important to consider whether other agents with these components are accepted.
Admission Rules
Is it possible for pregnant women to have fish oil in capsules, the obstetrician-gynecologist must decide. This specialist also determines the appropriate dose based on the health status of the woman.
With normal reproductive health during pregnancy planning, the dose does not differ from the norm for an adult - 1-2 capsules per day, which is about 500 mg of fatty acids. The initial course is 1 month.
Fish oil during pregnancy planning by IVF is considered the “gold standard”. It is prescribed with folic acid to restore the hormonal system and ensure the release of a healthy egg. In this situation, the conversion of the amount of fish oil is performed by the concentration of omega acids. Gynecologists are advised to consume 1000 mg of omega-3 per day.
According to doctors, fish oil is effective for pregnant women in capsules. The 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 heart of the child is carried out. Usually, doctors recommend sticking to 500 mg. The ratio of eicosopentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids should be 1: 2. With estragenital ailments in the mother or data on miscarriages during the period of 1 trimester in a woman's history, the dose can be increased by 200 mg.
During the 2nd trimester, the doses remain the same. It is important for the expectant mother to monitor her well-being. If unusual symptoms occur, you must complete the drug and visit a doctor.
In the 3rd trimester, fish oil should be consumed according to the same scheme, the main thing is that there is no drug intolerance or allergies. In the later stages there is a risk of preeclampsia and gestosis. If threatening symptoms occur, the doctor is able to increase the dosage based on the well-being of the pregnant woman.
After 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 a special complex "Postnatal", in which there are all valuable substances for restoring the body.
Advice
Before using fish oil, you should study some recommendations.
- Do not use the supplement on an empty stomach, as this can cause gastrointestinal upset.
- It is advisable to take vitamin E with fish oil if it is not in the composition. Tocopherol protects against the oxidation of fatty acids.
- Do not use the supplement after the expiration date, which is 2 years.
- Capsules should be stored in a dry place, which 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 fish of fatty varieties 3 times a week.
Best drugs
What is the best fish oil for pregnant women? When choosing a dietary supplement, you need 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, fish oil is better to choose in capsules, which do not have an unpleasant aftertaste and aroma, which simplifies the intake. The composition should not be preservatives, artificial colors and flavors.
Is it possible to take fish oil for pregnant women, depending on the state of health. The most popular drugs include:
- Nordic Naturals, DHA. There are no flavors in the preparation. The price is about 3000 rubles.
- Nordic Naturals, Prenatal DHA. The product contains 90 soft capsules. The cost is about 2000 rubles.
- Nordic Naturals, Postnatal Omega-3. The drug includes 60 soft tablets. The price is about 2000 rubles.
Where can I buy?
Nutritional supplements are available at retail pharmacies and online stores. The range of vitamins is small, often there is no premium products of American and European pharmacological companies. Therefore, you can purchase fish oil on the iHerb website. This is due to the following advantages:
- The online store sells only original products of companies from Europe and America. The quality of goods is checked by international independent laboratories.
- Products are sorted by rating, customer ratings and reviews.
- The cost of dietary supplements is 25-50% less compared to other bioadditive sites.
- The iHerb Reward program works, which involves receiving an additional discount on purchases.
- Since automation operates, the process of processing and sending the parcel is carried out on the payment date.
- In Russia, free shipping.
- Support staff provides round-the-clock consultation.
Thus, fish oil is an indispensable nutrient for the normal course of a woman's pregnancy. According to doctors, to fill the shortage of these nutrients, it is necessary to take it from the 1st trimester of pregnancy and continue for several months after childbirth. Then there will be no shortage of this substance.