Fish oil supplements?

[TheDivineMrsM]

When we were TTC, I discovered fish oil supplements. My normally dry skin and scalp magically were fixed. I haven't touched my supplements since getting my BFP in April. Are they safe for pregnant women? Or should I just toss them and find another way to deal with my skin issues?

[umsami]

They are fine and even recommended during pregnancy. The only thing I would be wary of is potential mercury content. What brand are you using? Some brands tout that they're mercury-free on the label. You could also switch to flax-seed oil to be extra safe.

[RedOakMomma]

There are lots of articles out there on the benefits of taking fish oil while pregnant. Most of them discuss the neurological benefits to the baby. I wouldn't go a pregnancy without fish oil!

I use Spectrum naturals. It's made from small fish and tested for mercury, other heavy metals, and PCBs. I take five capsules daily.

...and one other benefit to taking fish oil while pregnant?? You never (well, rarely) get super-constipated!

[Sileree]

http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=16536

Here's a link to brands that are low in PCB's and mercury.

[loonar]

Joining the chorus in favor of fish oil, provided you select a mercury-free brand. I use one that has been molecularly distilled. Also, make sure you don't use cod liver oil -- it's too high in vitamin A to be safe for baby.

[BlackSheepPDX]

Fish Oil is not only safe, but recommended. It's wonderful for baby's brain development, and so many other things.

Flax seed oil is NOT wise, per a discussion at my birthing class last night...it is apparently associated with pre-term labor! It (and EPO) are not equivalent Fish Oil in terms of EPA/DHA/Omega3/Omega6.

Nordic Naturals are a popular and reliable brand for mercury safety. I'm taking a specificially prenatal blend from them. And my DD loves her chewable soft gels!

[St. Margaret]

I got MORE consistent about taking them when I got pregnant this time, although I recently stopped after some BAD m/s right after taking some... BLECH.

I'd say take them after a meal when you're tummy is the most settled I've been thinking about getting some chewable ones to tide me over until the m/s is really gone!

[jennica]

They're great to take while pregnant! Ds takes them too. Everyone needs them really, because we lack this in our diets now.

[BarnMomma]

Originally Posted by loonar

Joining the chorus in favor of fish oil, provided you select a mercury-free brand. I use one that has been molecularly distilled. Also, make sure you don't use cod liver oil -- it's too high in vitamin A to be safe for baby.

Actually there's a lot of research out there stating that vitamin A is great during pregnancy and not the devil as most OB's make it out to be. I need to find the info again and I will try to post.

[AmyKT]

I take about 2 grams (2000 mg) of fish oil each day. That gives both the baby and me a good amount to work with. I have found that in addition to making my skin look great, it helps keep placenta brain a little bit in check. I'm still a ditz, but not nearly as bad off as I would be without the fish oil.

Finding a mercury-free brand is important, like others have said, but also try to find one that is enteric coated. They're more expensive, but otherwise you'll be burping fish all day.

[new york momma]

My BIL is a doctor and new parent who researched fish oil. He said the brand Expectra is best because it was derived the same way that the oil in the studies was derived that showed the improvement in brain functioning (especially in the area of language) in young children. My ob/gyn confirmed his research. He said it's not just the source of the oil, but the process in which it is derived that is important. I don't exactly understand how this could make a difference, but I went ahead and bought the Expectra as they recommended. I found it on Amazon.com and at CVS pharmacies.

[TheDivineMrsM]

Nature's Bounty Cod Liver Oil, DHA, EPA, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Best Choice

Woohoo! This is the brand I bought.

Thanks for the info, ladies.