Fish Oil 1000mg (containing Omega 3) - HELP??!

[~Belinda~]

Hi

I just wanted to know whether there is anyone out there that takes a fish oil supplement whilst pregnant? I am 13 weeks and have just bought some today (1000mg fish oil). Each capsule contains natural fish oil with omega 3.

I have read that it is beneficial to the developing baby's brain etc.

I am already on Elevit and that does not contain any omega 3 oils.

Your advice would be beneficial to me as I am not sure whether it's safe to take it. It says to take 3 capsules (3000mg) per day but I believe that's too much!

Thanks so much.

[treelo]

Hi Bindy,

Did you ask the pharmacist when you bought them? I dont think there would be anything wrong with taking it, but it does sound like a lot. I would probably wait and ask your dr before actually taking them, just to be on the safe side.

take care
Treelo

[~Kim~]

Hi Bindy, I used to take 1000mg x3 daily of flazseed oil capsules. The pharmacist actually recommended them to me (for a skin condition but also to improve breastmilk quantity and quality). He said it was ok if I was pregnant too. I'm sure if you just popped in to a pharmacist and checked they'd be more than happy to answer any q's, but pretty sure it's safe.

It might seem like a lot, but don't forget it still has to be processed by your system before it actually gets to your bubba, so it loses some potency.

[mrsr]

My GP recommended taking 4 (yes FOUR) fish oil capsules as well as Elevit daily!

[Mads]

Great question!
I have fish oil at home, but haven't been taking them. I have seen studies regarding fish oil and improved brains in babys, when mum takes them while pregnant, and particularly when breastfeeding. I couldnt find specifics n when to take them, but I know what seems like a high dose is normal. I do remember reading not to take them late in third trimester as I think there is an increased chance of bleeding. Dont quote me on this- I should have looked it up properly first. Do a google search on it.

[Mads]

Ok, sorry, facts this time.
It seems fish oil is recommended from prior to conception to promote healthy eggs etc. The EPA and DHA from Omega 3 such as good quality fish oil, is vital to the growth of babys brain, eyes and nervous system- therefor taken all during pregnancy. Taken during third trimester is important as it can help with babys reaching full term, being a healthy birth weight, also to help reduce high blood pressure in mum and can assist in reducing the likelihood of post partum depression. Some women who eat a lot of oily fish, dont need the supplement, but you have to be careful not to consume too much high mercury containing fish (which fish oil doesnt have) Also be careful with things like cod liver oil which contain too much Vit A.
Go to www.oilofpisces.com/pregnancy.html
It has an overview of some of the studies from around the world regarding this subject.
It seems most say there needs to be more research of course, but studies always show an improvement in mothers and babies taking a supplement. Sorry about the guess at late trimester causing bleeding- definitely couldnt find anything to back this up- ask your obstetrician or doctor.
I think I will go and take mine now!

[Inanna]

Bindy it is perfectly safe to take fish oil throughout your pregnancy. Yes, it does seem like a high dose but it's fine. There are benefits to both you and your baby.

In our culture we are often lacking omega 3's as we do limit fish intake during pregnancy due to the worry of mercury contamination.

Flaxseed oil is contraindicated in pregnancy as it has an anti estrogenic effect. It is actually often recommended not to be taken in the second half of your menstrual cycle when TTC for this reason.

[GIDGET]

The warning in relation to not taking fish oil late in pregnancy is correct.

In some people fish oils causes the blood to thin (which happens in pregnancy anyway) and can cause decreased clotting function so that you will bleed for longer than usual.

I have experience with the fish oil/blood problem in pregnancy - it is just a freaky thing I found out after my first and I don't take them after 34 weeks.

I'd be checking with a help professional re the dose before assuming that they are safe. I can't remember what dosage I was taking when I discovered I had a real problem!!!! The doctors freaked when they tested my blood and discovered a blood deficiency but it was just the fish oils making the blood too thin.

The other thing to consider is that the fish oils should be from a reputable company who have tested the oils for contamination because the fish oils can be subject to the same contamination as fish.

[Liz]

I asked my OB about it yesterday, seeing as omega-3 seems to be the latest 'thing' at the moment (seems to be in everything at the moment - even oven baked chips I noticed! LOL), and he said that's exactly what it is, a fad. He said a balanced diet is the most beneficial. I just try to eat more fish etc (as we don't normally have it a lot).

I think what would worry me about taking it everyday, is that would kinda go against a balanced dietry intake of omega-3 wouldn't it? I mean it's not recommended we eat salmon everyday, but to just include it in a balanced diet.

[mummytotwo]

Hmm, this has really interested me as I am a vegetarian who doesn't eat fish (not vegan though). I might speak to my Ob at next appt re: an Omega 3 supplement but from previous conversations I think he is going to day a balanced diet is best . I didn't take a supplement with DS (other than Elevit). I have noticed that some pg supplements DO have fish oil though so I wonder why Elevit don't. Any further info would be welcome (sorry Bindy - crashing your thread)

[Roquen]

I was wondering whether the fish oil was ok to take also - I was concerned about mercury and that perhaps the oil could have mercury in it, but from what I've read above, that isn't the case?

[ej_1974]

i take elevit too (love it) and have done both pgs. personally the omega 3 thing doesn't bother me as having discussed it with my OB he said if my body needs fish oil, I will crave fish. If I'm not craving it I don't need it. Thus I eat fish when I feel like (once every 2 weeks more or less) or anythinge else for that matter. I've had two great pgs and can't wait to meet our 2nd baby due in August and as we're all happy & healthy I don't see the need to take extra tablets.
In saying this, as its only my opinion (and experience) since taking with my OB about it, so I would talk with your OB too as it'll give you piece of mind.

[~Belinda~]

My doctor called me back today as I left a message with her. She said to just take 2 fish oil capsules per day (1000mg each), not 3 as it says on the bottle. It gives me piece of mind

[Inanna]

That's good Bindy. I think it's very important. In days of old our soil was much richer in minerals, we didn't have the pesticides, environmental toxins, pollution etc.

We live in a world where I believe it's near impossible to glean all from the food we eat.

[Liz]

probably coz it's all extracted to sell in vitamin pills LOL

[Inanna]

I wish that was the reason. Sadly it's due to our very unsustainable farming techniques, use of pesticides, etc etc. We reap what we sow!

[~Kim~]

Bindy it is perfectly safe to take fish oil throughout your pregnancy. Yes, it does seem like a high dose but it's fine. There are benefits to both you and your baby.

In our culture we are often lacking omega 3's as we do limit fish intake during pregnancy due to the worry of mercury contamination.

Flaxseed oil is contraindicated in pregnancy as it has an anti estrogenic effect. It is actually often recommended not to be taken in the second half of your menstrual cycle when TTC for this reason.

Thanks Flowerchild, will go and get a new bottle tomorrow....