image bio

Get 10% off your first month of all vitamins & supplements when you subscribe with code LUCKY23. Shop Now ➔

Home > Learn > Nutrition > >How to Pick a Good Fish Oil for Pregnancy

How to Pick a Good Fish Oil for Pregnancy

Jan 09, 21 4 min
How to Pick a Good Fish Oil for Pregnancy - Natalist

I know I should be taking fish oil during pregnancy, but why? And what’s the best one to take for pregnancy? OBGYN Dr. Gleaton explains it all.

By Dr. Kenosha Gleaton

Fish oil contains many nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy that not only support heart health, but the development of the fetal nervous system. So what kind of supplements should you be taking to promote pregnancy health, and what should you be looking for in a good fish oil?

Supplements to take during pregnancy

A healthy pregnancy should start with a healthy diet, which is why prenatal vitamins and supplements are so important. A good prenatal supplement routine will include a multitude of vitamins and minerals, including:

And of course a DHA supplement, a necessary omega-3 fatty acid that supports fetal development and more.

Why it’s important to take fish oil during pregnancy

A fIsh oil pill is packed with two essential omega-3s (DHA and EPA)—essential nutrients for healthy brain and eye development in a pregnant woman as well as for fetal growth and development which is why it should be taken in conjunction with your prenatal vitamin. DHA, an essential fatty acid, is specifically linked to healthy birth weight and developmental milestones, while EPA is correlated with improved heart health and cholesterol.

Other benefits of fish oil

In general, fish oil is recommended for improving heart health and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Not only does it contain DHA and EPA, but also vitamins A and D, essential vitamins that improve our immune system and response.

Is there fish oil without the fish?

Yes, there are vegan alternatives. Algae-derived DHA supplementation is achieved through plant-based options that can meet ACOG guidelines. They eliminate the risk of possible environmental toxins, and do not contribute to overfishing, which can be damaging to the planet.

✨ Shop Prenatal vitamins⟶

What’s the difference between DHA and fish oil?

Omega 3 fish oil is one great source of DHA. Fish oil from fish such as tuna, salmon, and trout contains two out of the three main omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is the omega fatty acid that supports a healthy pregnancy and fetal development. 

How to pick the best fish oil for pregnancy

The APA recommends a fish oil supplement that contains at least 300 mg of DHA. Your supplements should also come from a transparent, reputable company to ensure you’re consuming purified fish oil that’s free of toxins. 

The Prenatal Daily Packets, which include 21 high-quality ingredients, was researched and carefully developed to meet all of pregnancy’s demands. 

When to stop taking fish oil during pregnancy

Fish oil is a great source of omega-3s and has many health benefits to support your pregnancy. It’s possible you’ve heard that fish oil can lead to increased bleeding during surgeries such as cesarean sections, but a recent study concluded that there is no link to fish oil and increased bleeding during or after surgery. However, it is important to note that this data may not be applicable to pregnant women and those undergoing cesareans specifically, thus more studies are needed. 

And while there's no universal guidance on when to stop fish oil supplementation during pregnancy, it’s abundantly clear that the earlier you start, the better.  Especially since the diet of pregnant women is largely deficient in DHA intake, making it difficult to comply with current recommendations without dietary supplementation.

Omega-3s, DHA, and fish oil are often used interchangeably, and that’s because they all do very similar things for your body. DHA is an essential nutrient found in fish oil supplements that supports the development of your baby’s brain and eyes. Fish oil also contains vitamins A and D, plus EPA, another important omega-3 fatty acid. The recommended amount of fish oil during pregnancy is at least 300 mg, and it’s important you find a reputable supplier that provides purified fish oil, free of any toxins such as mercury or lead. Have more questions? Learn about the differences between omega-3s, DHA, and fish oil.

Featured Image by Alitura Naturals

Shop Products From This Article
Omega DHA

Omega DHA

10% off your first month when you subscribe with code LUCKY23

$30 $27

Subscribe & Save $5.00 sticker bestseller
Prenatal Daily Packets

Prenatal Daily Packets

10% off your first month when you subscribe with code LUCKY23

$55

Shop Products

sticker new
healthcare provider virtual consult telehealth appointment

Ovulation Support Care Plan

Telehealth appointment with a licensed healthcare provider

$249

Subscribe & Save $3.00 sticker new
Hydration & Energy Electrolyte Drink Mix

Hydration & Energy Electrolyte Drink Mix

10% off your first month when you subscribe with code LUCKY23

$32

Women’s Fertility Test

Women’s Fertility Test

At-home collection test

$149

Subscribe & Save $5.00 sticker bestseller
Prenatal Daily Packets

Prenatal Daily Packets

10% off your first month when you subscribe with code LUCKY23

$55

Subscribe & Save $5.00 sticker bestseller
Prenatal Daily Packets

Prenatal Daily Packets

10% off your first month when you subscribe with code LUCKY23

$55

Subscribe & Save $15.00 sticker favorite
Trimester Pack: Prenatal Daily Packets

Trimester Pack: Prenatal Daily Packets

10% off your first month when you subscribe with code LUCKY23

$180 $150

Subscribe & Save $2.00 sticker bestseller
Prenatal gummy vitamins

Prenatal Gummies

10% off your first month when you subscribe with code LUCKY23

$33

Subscribe & Save $10.00 sticker favorite
Trimester Pack: Prenatal Gummies

Trimester Pack: Prenatal Gummies

10% off your first month when you subscribe with code LUCKY23

$105 $85

sticker bestseller
Pregnancy Tests

Pregnancy Tests

As low as $3.20 per test

$16

sticker favorite
Pregnancy Tests (2-Count)

Pregnancy Tests (2-Count)

Easy to read pregnancy tests

$9

sticker bestseller
Ovulation Tests

Ovulation Tests

As low as $1.67 per test

$30

sticker save
mid stream ovulation and pregnancy test bundle

The Test Pack

Pregnancy & ovulation tests

$46 $40

Reach Out, We're Here

Have questions about your order or products? For the speediest answer, check out our FAQ section. Need something else? Come find us below.

Customer Support
support@natalist.com

Press Inquiries
media@everlyhealth.com

Business & Partnerships
team@natalist.com

Affiliates + Influencers
team@natalist.com

Job Openings
Careers Page