No body can function normally without fats; polyunsaturated fats, which include Omega-3, are especially beneficial for it. This type helps maintain good physical shape, strengthens the immune system, and improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Omega-3 is found in many foods, especially fatty fish. To maintain its amount in the body, one tablespoon of olive or flaxseed oil per day is enough for a person. During pregnancy, this dose may not be enough, so during the planning stage of a child it is important to obtain these fats from additional sources.
Read in this article
The benefits of Omega-3 when planning pregnancy
The human body itself is not capable of producing polyunsaturated fats, although they play an important role in strengthening the body's defenses and have a pronounced positive effect on health. This is why doctors insist on including a diet high in Omega-3. Especially during pregnancy planning and while bearing a child.
The positive effect of fatty acids on the functioning of the cardiovascular system is expressed in the following:
- regulate heart rate, increase its interval;
- reduce blood pressure;
- influence the concentration of harmful fats in the blood and clotting processes;
- reduce the risk of blood clots;
- stimulate endothelial restoration.
In addition to improvements in cardiac activity, doctors have found that thanks to polyunsaturated acids, the risk of atherosclerosis and various chronic pathologies is significantly reduced, and foci of inflammation in the body disappear faster.
With an increase in the concentration of Omega-3 in the brain, patients experience a significant improvement in memory, increased mental productivity, and acceleration of thought processes.
In general terms, the main functions of Omega-3 can be defined as follows:
- heart rate stabilization;
- prevention of myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease;
- improvement of the condition of coronary vessels;
- stimulation of blood circulation and others.
Due to the large number of scientifically proven factors of the positive effect of Omega-3 on many body systems, these fatty acids are widely used in gynecology, in particular, they are recommended for use by women at the stage of planning pregnancy.
Many scientific studies have been conducted around the world that confirm that Omega-3:
- reduces the risk of spontaneous miscarriage and early childbirth;
- has a positive effect on the formation of the fetal nervous system;
- reduces the risk of allergic reactions in the unborn child.
In addition to the effect of these acids on the health of children, they significantly improve the emotional and mental state of the expectant mother, reduce the risk of postpartum depression and reduce the likelihood of preeclampsia.
In general, Omega-3 acids during pregnancy planning affect the female body as follows:
- their regular use reduces the risk of premature birth and;
- Women who regularly include fatty fish in their diet are several times less likely to show signs of postpartum depression;
- By the age of four, children whose mothers took polyunsaturated acids during the planning stage of conception and in the first months of pregnancy have a higher level of mental development than those whose mothers did not take drugs containing Omega-3.
These acids have also been proven to help control weight, which is very important for expectant mothers.
Why is it prescribed for men?
Men also need to include Omega-3 polyunsaturated acids in their diet, since they usually prefer fatty and fried foods, and also drink alcohol more often than women.
The benefits of these fatty acids for men's health are also supported by many scientific and clinical studies.
Summarizing the data from all these studies, we can formulate the following factors for the positive effect of Omega-3 on the male body:
- Systematic consumption of fatty acids reduces the risk of mortality from coronary heart disease by 29%. Men who include fatty fish in their diet are twice as likely to avoid dying from cardiac arrest than those who do not eat fish.
- Men who eat fish at least once a week are 63% less likely to develop prostate cancer. It has also been found that polyunsaturated acids significantly reduce inflammation in the prostate and other organs of the male genitourinary system.
- Regular consumption of fish and other foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduces cholesterol levels in the body.
- These acids can normalize blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertensive crises.
- It has been proven that people who eat about 120 grams of fish daily are significantly less susceptible to arthritis pain. This is a very important factor, since such joint diseases are very difficult to treat.
- Taking fish oil slows down and prevents the development of nephropathy and other kidney pathologies.
All these facts indicate that men need to take Omega-3 to generally strengthen the body and prevent the development of many systemic diseases.
Omega dosage - 3, 6, 9: when and which one to choose
Omega fatty acids exist in several modifications; in addition to the most famous Omega-3, there is also Omega-6, and Omega-9 polyunsaturated lipids.
All these acids are necessary for the full functioning of all body systems, but they have different functions and differ in chemical structure. To obtain the maximum positive effect, it is important to maintain their balance and not allow a deficiency or excess of one of them.
The problem of achieving a balance of fatty acids is that the diet of a modern person consists mainly of those foods that contain Omega in large quantities - sunflower oil, fatty meat, salted lard, and Omega-9 - nuts, unrefined meat, pork and other products .
Omega-3 is present in sufficient quantities only in deep-sea fish (salmon, mackerel, salmon, eel), but the average person eats quite little of this fish. In this regard, the body constantly does not receive enough of this type of polyunsaturated acids, although it is most important for its normal functioning.
The need to take various fatty acids is determined by their effect on the body. So, Omega-3 is useful in cases where:
- increased blood sugar levels;
- metabolism is slow;
- weakened immunity;
- problems with the cardiovascular system;
- poor hair condition and brittle nails;
- lack of the hormone serotonin in the body;
- skin problems.
The daily consumption rate of this acid is 1 - 2% of the total calorie content of the daily diet, i.e. approximately 2 grams.
The benefits of Omega-6 are due to its ability to:
- strengthen the body's protective properties;
- help remove toxins;
- improve brain function;
- lower blood sugar levels;
- reduce pain in arthritis and arthrosis;
- restore damaged bone tissue.
The consumption rate is 6 - 8% of daily calories, but not more than 10 grams.
Omega-9, in addition to the beneficial properties inherent in all polyunsaturated acids, has the following impact factors:
- has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- affects the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood;
- prevents the occurrence and development of colds;
- normalizes metabolic processes.
The daily norm is 0.3 - 0.9 g per day.
These standards are recommended for adults who do not have health problems. If polyunsaturated acids are prescribed in the complex treatment of any systemic disease, their dosage is increased and the balance is adjusted.
Watch the video about the benefits of Omega-3 for the human body:
Ready-made vitamins
Currently, pharmacies offer a wide range of dietary supplements containing Omega-3, which differ in composition, manufacturer and price category. Let's look at the most popular ones among doctors.
Doppelhertz
This is a complex product that, in addition to the main active ingredient, contains vitamin E (tocopherol). It is prescribed mainly when high cholesterol levels are detected in the results of a biochemical blood test. The instructions for the dietary supplement also indicate that its use reduces the degree of allergic reactions, increases immune defense, reduces blood pressure and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Doppelgerz should be taken 1 capsule per day.
Since dietary supplements are sold in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription, it is believed that they cannot harm the body.
However, in the presence of certain diseases, they must be taken with great caution, and sometimes they are completely contraindicated. Among such pathologies the following should be highlighted:
- acute tuberculosis;
- thyroid diseases;
- bile and urolithiasis;
- liver failure.
Women at the stage of planning pregnancy and during the period of bearing a child should consult a doctor before taking the drug about the advisability of its use and the required dosage.
The disadvantages of the product include its fairly high cost.
This is a Norwegian complex that includes Omega-3s obtained from the tissues of marine mammals. These tissues contain 2 times more fatty acids than fish, so the drug is highly effective.
The dietary supplement is highly purified and does not contain any flavorings or artificial additives, except lemon balm.
The daily dose of the drug is 4 capsules.
During pregnancy and at the planning stage, the dose can be doubled. The drug is also indicated during breastfeeding; it can be discontinued 4-6 weeks after the end of lactation.
This supplement is designed specifically for pregnant women and is based on fish oil that has been purified in an innovative way.
The drug is taken one capsule twice a day with meals.
Omegamama has no contraindications or side effects, only occasionally women report nausea and some discomfort from the digestive system. In this case, the doctor can select an analogue.
Individual intolerance to dietary supplements is extremely rare.
Other popular Omega-3 complexes worth noting:
- Omega-3, Triple Strength (Solgar);
- Omega-800 (Madre Labs);
- Ultra Omega 3 (Now Foods);
- Omega-3 (Natural Factors).
Despite such a wide choice of drugs, only a doctor can recommend the best one based on the individual needs of the patient.
As already noted, the maximum concentration of Omega-3 is found in fatty fish, especially in Atlantic salmon, which grew in its natural environment. Fatty acids are retained in fish during heat treatment, so boiled, fried, and canned fish will be useful. You can eat it with any side dishes, cook soup from it, and make various salads.
In addition to fish, polyunsaturated acids are found in small quantities in eggs. Of the vegetable oils, their highest concentration was determined in flaxseed oil.
Vegetarians can find fatty acids in lettuce, spinach, cauliflower and zucchini. They are also found in berries, for example, blueberries.
Contraindications and complications from taking
Despite the undoubted benefits of Omega-3, with an overdose of fatty acids, certain side effects are possible in the form of headaches, nausea and vomiting, intestinal disorders and other symptoms of intoxication of the body. Most often, such complications occur when:
- liver pathologies;
- systemic diseases of the intestines, stomach or duodenum;
- old age.
The drugs are contraindicated for children under 7 years of age and for adults with allergic reactions, stagnation of bile in the biliary tract, or renal failure.
And more about the drug Femibion when planning pregnancy.
In conclusion, it should be said that although Omega-3 preparations are not medicines, they should not be taken uncontrolled and without the recommendation of the attending physician. It would be more wise to review your diet and enrich it with foods high in essential fatty acids.
Probably the most wonderful period in the life of every woman, but it is fraught with the fact that the mother’s body loses many useful substances, as it spends them on the maintenance and development of the fetus. Doctors often prescribe women to take additional omega-3 supplements during pregnancy.
We will tell you what their purpose and purpose is in this article.
Benefits of Omega-3 fats
The whole story begins with our cells. Each has its own membrane shell consisting of lipids or fats. The function of membranes is very important, since it constantly, every fraction of a second, participates in all processes of the body: transmits signals, nerve impulses, and carries out the metabolic process of microelements. All this determines not only the condition of the organs and our body, but also affects the functioning of the brain, nervous system, heart and even the health of the retina.
Omega-3 fats are a class of polyunsaturated fats and, accordingly, are important building blocks in the structure of the membrane of every cell. Hence the importance of consuming this component in food.
These lipids can be of plant origin (linseed and soybean oils), as well as animal - fatty sea fish. Moreover, the structure and properties of these fats differ from one product to another, so it is recommended to eat both plant and animal sources.
What can omega-3 acid do? The list of useful qualities is quite long:
- strengthens the immune system;
- stimulates metabolic processes and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- helps with poor vision and other eye problems;
- suppresses;
- improves mucous membranes, skin, hair and nails;
- has anti-inflammatory properties;
- prevents the development of cancer;
- is a savior for some diseases: eczema, asthma, Alzheimer's, psoriasis, breast cancer, arthrosis, osteoporosis;
- improves brain function and the ability to concentrate;
- normalizes the nervous system, relieves the condition;
- strengthens blood vessels, tones them;
- prevents blood clotting.
Did you know? A UK study that lasted approximately 15 years and involved approximately 14,000 pregnant women found that the children of women who took an omega-3 supplement during pregnancy had better mental abilities than those whose mothers did not. such an additive.
One of the fastest ways to get your dose of omega-3 fatty acids is to take. Many will be interested in the question of whether pregnant women can drink fish oil, and whether there are any special contraindications or prohibitions. If you look at the composition of fish oil, here, in addition to polyunsaturated fats, you can find E, A and D, the latter of which is often in short supply in many women, since it can be generated in the human body only when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun, as well as There are many useful elements, such as:
- bromine;
- selenium.
For woman
One of the most important functions of fish oil capsules during pregnancy is these are its antioxidant properties. It saves both the mother’s body and ensures the healthy state of the placenta, preventing any inflammatory processes. Strengthening the immune system, influencing the cardiovascular and nervous systems - all this is also provided by polyunsaturated acids. 
An important fact is that with the consumption of capsules, the manifestation of any other nausea is significantly reduced. Surprisingly, fish oil is able to produce the hormone of happiness in a pregnant woman’s body - serotonin, due to which the likelihood of irritability and bad mood decreases.
During pregnancy, it is important to try to preserve your beauty, since the child will actively take for himself everything useful that is in the mother’s body. This is where problems arise with nails and hair. Many people experience severe vision loss due to childbirth. In order to avoid illnesses after the birth of your baby, taking omega-3 is simply necessary.
Did you know? The body of a pregnant woman requires 25% more polyunsaturated acids and other trace elements than the body of a non-pregnant woman.
It is also important to note that many suffer after childbirth, which accumulated during gestation. The thing is that cholesterol from food is retained in a woman’s body and accumulates in the form of fat deposits. Omega-3 removes this cholesterol and prevents the female body from taking on an unaesthetic shape. In addition, it helps with the occurrence of psychological problems, such as postpartum depression, weakening its manifestation.
For the fetus
An important point is the nutrition of the fetus, which determines its healthy and full development, including mental development, weight gain, formation of bones, visual organs and nerve centers before birth. Fish oil can improve blood flow in the placenta, due to which nutrients will reach the fetus better and faster. 
Since these acids have the property of increasing the body’s resistance to allergic reactions, they also work not only in relation to a pregnant woman, but also to her unborn baby.
If a mother has diabetes, then by taking this nutritional supplement, the likelihood of transmitting the disease to the baby is significantly reduced. In addition, thanks to vitamin D, it not only improves the absorption of calcium by the fetus, but also prevents the development of diseases such as rickets.
Did you know? Omega-3 fat, which a responsible pregnant woman took regularly, remains and works in the central nervous system of the fetus during gestation and continues to do so from the 30th week of pregnancy until 3 months after the birth of the baby.
Daily dose
In order for an omega-3 supplement during pregnancy to be beneficial and not kill the body of the mother and fetus, it is important to know the permissible dosage, and it is better to coordinate it with your doctor. Of course, the dosage will largely depend on what the source of omega-3 is and what goals the patient is pursuing.
First, let's focus on the fact that omega-3 fats can be found in two states: EPA and DHA, or eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. They are the same omega-3, but have slightly different effects on the human body. Based on their quantity in the capsule volume, a drug is selected that should work for a specific purpose. 
Here are some options:
- to maintain fetal health and prevent the likelihood of premature birth, the composition of fish oil should contain a maximum of DHA and a minimum of EPA;
- to reduce depression and nervous tension in the mother, EPC should have more DHA;
- To maintain the beauty of hair, skin and nails, the amount of both acids must be equal and sufficient.
Important! Preparations that do not indicate separately the amount of EPA and DHA, but only indicate the share of fish oil with a general figure, should be left on the pharmacy shelf.
But here is the minimum that will be enough for a pregnant woman for one day, and it will not harm her: EPA - 220 milligrams and DHA - 300. It is very difficult to get an overdose. To do this, you need to take more than 8 grams of fat per day. Although for some people 2 grams will be enough. It follows that the doctor's instructions and supplement instructions should not be ignored.
Foods rich in fatty acids
The thing is that our body does not produce these polyunsaturated fatty acids on its own. Therefore, we must ensure their supply ourselves. This can be done using products or individual dietary supplements in the form of capsules or liquid. It is still recommended to take omega-3 for pregnant women in the form of capsules, but we will now tell you which ones are best to choose at the pharmacy. 
It is important that a pregnant woman takes polyunsaturated acid only in the form of fish oil and only in capsules. And the fat itself should be from cod liver. After all, only this option can have a positive effect on mother and child and be normally absorbed by both organisms. Usually the supplement is designed for a daily dose, but sometimes, this dose is simply not enough to achieve specific goals. In this case, the doctor prescribes a special diet, which additionally includes food.
Did you know? Depression during and after pregnancy affects approximately 20% of women.
Here is a small list of food products that contain polyunsaturated acid:
- walnuts, not roasted, no more than 7 pieces per day;
- fatty fish - from 70 to 150 grams (salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardine, tuna);
- Cod liver;
- hemp, chia, flax seeds;
- oil - 1 tablespoon (olive, rapeseed, soybean);
- flaxseed oil - no more than 1 teaspoon.
Among pharmacy supplements, as noted above, you can find fish oil in capsules or liquid form. Not many people like the second option, since you have to force yourself to drink a spoonful of unpleasant oil.
The capsules will protect you from such stress, and besides, their shell additionally protects fat from oxidation in the air, which means it protects a person from being saturated with harmful radicals that are the result of oxidative processes.In any case, in the store you should open the box and smell the contents. The smell should not be fishy or something sour. If you still want to take fat in an oil solution, then purchase small volumes of packages. The drug should be stored in a dark place, protected from heat and sunlight. 
When not to use fish oil
For pregnant women who have problems with blood clotting, you should be careful with the dosage of omega-3. Acid greatly affects the ability to thin and disperse blood, which can cause hemorrhages. Also, for safety reasons, if a woman has been prescribed, it is worth stopping taking polyunsaturated acids 3 weeks before surgery.
Here is a small list of diseases and other reasons for refusing fish oil:
- thyroid disease;
- urolithiasis, kidney disease;
- active tuberculosis;
- diseases of the intestines, stomach;
- parallel intake of vitamins.
An article about how Omega-3 acids affect the course of pregnancy, the well-being of the expectant mother, and the formation and development of the fetus.
A doctor at a antenatal clinic for a pregnant woman usually prescribes certain maintenance medications, such as vitamin E and folic acid. She should also ask whether she should take fish oil or any other dietary supplement with Omega-3, because acids of this class can have a beneficial effect on her well-being, the course of pregnancy, and the formation of the fetus.
Is it possible and necessary to drink Omega-3 during pregnancy?
The answer to this question is clearly affirmative. Essential, irreplaceable acids of the Omega-3 class (docosahexaenoic, eicosapentaenoic and alpha-linolenic) are needed by every cell of the body of the expectant mother and the fetus in her womb. They are not synthesized in the body; you need to build your diet in such a way as to get enough of them.
During pregnancy, you can and should drink Omega-3.IMPORTANT: In fact, any adult or child who does not eat fatty and semi-fat fish at least twice a week in a large portion of 300 g should take Omega-3 supplements from time to time. You can read about the effect of these fatty acids on the body in the article: “.
A woman striving for motherhood is obliged to take care of her baby even before he is born, or better yet, even before conception. Today it is possible to plan a pregnancy and create all possible prerequisites for its normal course, normal childbirth and normal fetal formation. A woman’s nutrition plays a major role here.
- There is no need, contrary to popular belief, to eat for two. It is not the quantity of products consumed that should be reviewed, but their quality. The emphasis in a pregnant woman’s nutrition is on proteins, vitamins, minerals and “healthy” fats.
- At the planning stage of pregnancy or from the moment of its onset, a woman should include natural sources of Omega-3 in her diet: fish and fish products, which contain DHA and EPA, as well as flax seeds, nuts rich in alpha-linolenic acid. Of course, if she is not allergic to these products.
- If a woman has toxicosis and she eats little, if she does not like fish and seafood, if, in the end, she cannot financially afford to consume them in quantities sufficient to obtain the Omega-3 standard, it is worth discussing with the doctor the possibility of consuming acid-containing this class of food additives: fish or seal oil, liquid or in capsule form, fiber from flax seeds, etc.
A pregnant woman can receive Omega-3 PUFAs from food and dietary supplements. How much to drink Omega-3 during pregnancy?
IMPORTANT: During pregnancy, a woman’s need for Omega-3 acids increases by about a quarter. If her medical history is not burdened by chronic diseases, the norm of DHA and EPA in combination is at least 3 g per day.
However, pregnant women should also not go overboard with Omega-3 doses. Acids of this class, in particular docosahexaenoic acid, thin the blood in large quantities. And this is fraught with expectant mothers:
- nosebleeds
- internal, including uterine, bleeding
- threat of miscarriage
Omega norm - 3 during pregnancy -3 g. How do Omega 3s affect pregnancy?
Scientists and doctors are conducting various studies on this matter, during which they were able to find out the following:
- Omega-3 generally improves the well-being of the expectant mother. Fatty acids regulate its fat metabolism, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, fight “bad” cholesterol, and balance the functioning of the nervous system.
- Pregnancy is a difficult period for a woman’s immune system; she is susceptible to infectious diseases. DHA and EPA strengthen the immune system, help the female body resist pathogens from the external environment, and stimulate defenses against its own opportunistic microflora. Alpha-linolenic acid, for example, prevents relapses of herpes, a viral infection in pregnant women.
- Omega-3 acids have an antithrombotic effect on the body of a pregnant woman and make her blood less viscous. This helps to improve fetal nutrition through the placenta.
- It turned out that taking fish oil helps prevent toxicosis, gestosis and eclampsia in a pregnant woman.
- DHA and EPA affect pregnancy rates, preventing miscarriages and premature births.
- Omega-3, improving brain function and balancing the nervous system, helps a woman fight depression both during pregnancy and after childbirth.
- Fish oil improves performance, attention and concentration, which is very important for working pregnant women.
Omega-3 is taken to prevent hypertension in expectant mothers. How Omega-3 deficiency manifests itself in expectant mothers: symptoms
According to medical statistics, Omega-3 deficiency is observed in 8 out of 10 expectant mothers. It is fraught with:
- feeling tired, lack of strength
- fatigue
- deterioration of the skin, hair and nails
- bad mood
- increased blood sugar up to gestational diabetes
- myalgia and joint pain
- increased blood pressure
- exacerbation of chronic diseases
- toxicosis in the early stages, gestosis in the later stages
- deterioration of utero-placental blood flow
VIDEO: Need to know during pregnancy: benefits of omega-3
The role of Omega-3 in fetal formation
The body of a child in the womb, just like the body of an already born person, does not synthesize ALA, EPA and DHA. He receives these acids from the mother's body.
- Omega-3 is part of the cell membranes of the fetus
- in the early stages, PUFAs are needed for the normal development of all systems of the baby’s body
- Omega-3 has an antimutagenic effect
- EPA and DHA are involved in the development of the child’s nervous and visual systems
- after 30 weeks of pregnancy and up to 3 months from birth, Omega-3 PUFAs accumulate in the child’s nervous system, which in the future affects health and mental development
Omega-3 PUFAs are needed for the normal formation and development of all organs and systems of the fetus. According to the latter fact, studies were carried out in the UK and the USA.
- English scientists have found that higher intellectual development is observed in children whose mothers consumed Omega-3 as a dietary supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding and, accordingly, received the norm of PUFAs for themselves and the child. In addition, the motor skills and coordination of movements in these children were also better than the average.
- The US National Institutes of Health also concluded that omega-3 intake by expectant mothers affects their children's intelligence and ability to learn languages.
IMPORTANT: Scientists Golding and Khiblin from the UK, observing pregnant women taking Omega-3, and later children for 15 years, found that PUFAs also affect their communication abilities. Babies who grew up in the womb “on fish oil” turned out to be more sociable.
If a pregnant woman does not eat fatty fish and plant sources of Omega-3, the child’s health suffers. The baby may be born:
- underweight and stunted
- prone to allergies
- reduced intellectual abilities
- impaired motor skills
- weak immunity
Omega-3 for women when planning pregnancy
Omega-3 PUFAs tend to accumulate in the body. Therefore, it makes sense to start fighting their deficiency at the stage of pregnancy planning.
- Taking Omega-3 by a woman at the planning stage of pregnancy will reduce the risk of the problems described above.
- The expectant mother will have the strength and strong nerves to cope with the difficult periods of bearing a baby, giving birth and caring for the baby in the first months of his life.
- Her postpartum recovery will be easier and faster.
Omega-3 is recommended for couples planning pregnancy. In addition, Omega-3 increases the likelihood of pregnancy; the dietary supplement is recommended for women with infertility problems.
- Very often, motherhood cannot occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Doctors call PUFA deficiency one of the reasons for this pathology.
- DHA and EPA affect the functioning of a woman’s endocrine system, that is, the synthesis of her sex hormones, which are responsible for the maturation of the egg, its successful implantation in the event of fertilization, subsequent pregnancy, the formation and development of the fetus.
Omega-3 for men when planning pregnancy
In a couple planning to conceive and give birth to a child, not only the woman, but also the man should take care of preventing Omega-3 deficiency.
IMPORTANT: Omega-3 PUFAs affect the production and quality of sperm in men, the viability and motility of sperm.
Omega-3 also has a positive effect on a man’s cardiovascular, circulatory and nervous systems, makes him more resilient, and helps cope with depression. All this together enhances his libido and erectile function, increases the chances of conceiving a child naturally.
IMPORTANT: Omega-3 has an anti-inflammatory effect on the male body; receiving EPA and DHA in normal quantities is the prevention of prostatitis, a disease that reduces male fertility.
VIDEO: Omega-3 for pregnant women
Omega-3 during pregnancy: which manufacturer's products are better?
In principle, if a pregnant woman has previously taken Omega-3 and has not experienced any side effects, she can continue taking her usual medications.
But in antenatal clinics Omega-3 is more often prescribed specifically for pregnant women.
PUFAs can be included in the vitamin and mineral complex for expectant mothers. The best drugs in this category are:
- Madonna+Omega – 3
- Multi-Tabs Prenatal + Omega 3
- Femibion
- “9 months of Omegamama” Valenta Pharm
Omega-3 preparation for pregnant women: Multi-Tabs Prenatal plus Omega-3. 
Omega-3 preparation for pregnant women: Femibion. Separately from vitamin and mineral complexes, highly purified EPA and DHA are drunk in preparations for pregnant women:
- Omegamama 9 months
- Vitrum Cardio Omega 3
Omega-3 preparation for pregnant women: Vitrum Cardio Omega-3. 
Omega-3 preparation for pregnant women: Omegamama IMPORTANT: You can also take fish oil in capsules or liquid form made in Norway. Medicines must have quality certificates!
Omega-3 during pregnancy: reviews
The possibility of taking Omega-3 and the choice of drugs with PUFAs are actively discussed on forums for pregnant women on the Internet. You can read some interesting reviews there:
- Alyona: “When I became pregnant, a friend advised me to eat salads dressed with flaxseed oil. Like, there is a lot of Omega-3, and it costs less than dietary supplements. The gynecologist just laughed and prescribed Vitrum Cardio Omega 3. I took it in the first trimester, now I’ll do it after 32 weeks.”
- Mom of a super daughter: “I personally like Norwegian fish oil. I drank it during my first pregnancy, and now I’m starting the course. The condition of the hair has noticeably improved, and the brittleness of the nails has disappeared. And toxicosis is not so bad.”
- Katrina: “Subscribed to Oriflame. Before pregnancy, I took Omega-3 Wellness from this company. I asked the gynecologist when I became pregnant. She said we can continue."
A drug with Omega-3 for pregnant women: Omega-3 Wellness from Oriflame. VIDEO: Omega 3 during pregnancy. Omega 3 for pregnant women
At all times, civilized people treated procreation with special responsibility; modern women increasingly prefer to plan conception, and pregnancy after pregnancy fades into the background. Pharmaceutical companies offer many vitamin complexes and dietary supplements for pregnant women. One such health benefit is Omega 3.
In order to replenish the body's supply of fish oil, nutritionists recommend consuming one tablespoon of olive oil daily. Flaxseed and pumpkin seeds are also rich in this component. Valuable fatty acids contained in fish significantly reduce the concentration of low-quality and harmful fats that have a negative impact on the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
A whole complex of chemical elements, representing Omega 3 fatty acids, take part in many processes carried out in the human body. Moreover, some organs cannot function fully without the participation of these components. The body's cells cannot produce Omega 3 on their own, so we can only get it from foods, nutritional supplements or vitamins.
In order for a pregnant woman’s body to feel comfortable without feeling an acute deficiency of beneficial microelements, doctors recommend consuming sea fish, soybean oil, flax and repseed seeds, as well as other foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids.
The optimal amount of Omega 3 consumption when planning pregnancy is 300 mg. In addition to fish, the expectant mother also needs to include goat's milk and kumiss in her menu.
Omega 3 drugs are prescribed not only for the prevention, but also for the treatment of pathologies such as:
- spontaneous interruption of intrauterine development of a child, repeated several times in a row;
- miscarriage;
- gestosis;
- placental insufficiency;
- postpartum psychosis;
- embryo growth delay;
- critical increase in blood pressure.
To carry out the process of ensuring the full intrauterine development of the baby, the mother’s body gives about 4 grams of Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids every day during pregnancy. This amount corresponds to the second daily intake.
Practical experience from the use of omega 3 during pregnancy has proven that this component helps improve the metabolic process and blood supply to the placenta, and better child tolerance of labor.
Taking polyunsaturated fatty acids for preventive purposes can improve blood circulation between the maternal body and the fetal placenta, as well as reduce the risk of developing serious complications.
Since the food products that we are used to consuming every day are low in fatty acids and fish oil, a pregnant woman begins to suffer from their deficiency already in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Omega 3 deficiency
By the end of the second trimester, the situation may worsen, and the resulting Omega 3 deficiency is sometimes manifested by symptoms such as:
- fatigue and fatigue;
- memory losses;
- depression and lack of mood;
- joint pain;
- brittle nails and hair, dry skin;
- allergic reactions.
When choosing medications with fish oil, you should pay attention to the expiration date and storage conditions, since taking a spoiled drug can lead to serious consequences for the health of a pregnant woman.
Omega 3 acids during pregnancy are necessary for:
- prevention of miscarriage and premature birth;
- reducing the risk of gestosis in later stages;
- normalization of the psycho-emotional background of the pregnant woman.
Beneficial properties of Omega 3 when consumed during pregnancy:
- Regulates blood cholesterol levels.
- Controls fat metabolism.
- Promotes the production of fatty acid derivatives.
- Prevents nervous tension and weakened immunity.
- Minimizes the process of blood clot formation.
- Increases vitality and performance.
- Acts as an excellent remedy for the prevention of arthritis and bone fragility.
- Normalizes the level of calcium in the blood of a pregnant woman. Under the influence of Omega 3 cardio during pregnancy, the organs of the cardiovascular system of the expectant mother fully function. The blood vessels are strengthened and the blood becomes thinner.
- The appearance of the skin improves and acne goes away.
- The occurrence of inflammatory bowel diseases is minimized.
- Taking polyunsaturated fatty acids can reduce the risk of cancer.
In addition, this drug reduces the risk of developing late gestosis in pregnant women. Toxicosis in the last months of pregnancy is a very dangerous condition, which is accompanied not only by high blood pressure, but also by swelling, malfunction of the kidneys, nervous system and placenta. In some cases, gestosis can pose a threat to the health of the mother and the life of the child.
Numerous medical studies have found that Omega 3 is an effective means of preventing late toxicosis in pregnant women.
Omega 3 inhibits the onset of toxicosis in the following ways:
- fatty acids protect the internal cells of blood vessels;
- activate the hormone norepinephrine, which in a state of stress contributes to less damage to blood vessels;
- lower high blood pressure.
Since Omega 3 deficiency sometimes occurs already in the very early stages of bearing a child, its supply must be taken care of even at the stage of pregnancy planning.
Firstly, fatty acids are needed to participate in the construction and formation of the peripheral nervous system of the fetal brain and its immune system. And secondly, they are able to reduce the risk of diathesis and allergies. The components of the drug are also useful during the postpartum period and during breastfeeding. 
Consequences of Omega 3 deficiency during pregnancy
A lack of polyunsaturated fatty acid components during pregnancy can lead to atypical diseases and allergies in the child. The risk of causeless hypertension also increases. This may be facilitated by an intrauterine disorder in the development of the child’s pressure regulation center in the brain. A deficiency of the drug is fraught with late toxicosis, neuroses and depression for a pregnant woman.
All of the above factors are not beneficial for the child and the expectant mother, given that toxicosis due to a lack of Omega 3 can negatively affect the immune system, the woman’s liver and the placenta.
To replenish the amount of vitamins the body needs, a pregnant woman should add foods containing this component to her diet. These products include:
- nuts;
- vegetables;
- egg yolk;
- some fruits;
- poultry meat;
- linseed oil;
- mackerel, salmon, herring.
In this case, a balanced diet alone is not enough, and to ensure the Omega 3 standard for their patients, gynecologists recommend additionally using pharmaceutical preparations containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Participation of Omega 3 in the process of fetal formation
Is it possible to use Omega 3 during pregnancy? Doctors unanimously answer this question – it’s even necessary. The role of this structural component of cell membranes in the process of the birth of new life is invaluable. It has a beneficial effect on the formation of the child’s nervous system, visual analyzer, helps to increase nerve fibers in the structure of the brain and further improves his ability to learn.
The required dose of Omega 3 in the third trimester of pregnancy is 60 mg of the drug. This amount will be sufficient to feed the fetus through the placenta and breastfeeding after childbirth. Nursing mothers should maintain the level of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the body until the baby reaches 18 months of age.
A child whose mother took fish oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding already has better vision and coordination of movements at the age of two. At four years of age, the mental development and motor skills of such children are also much higher than those of their peers whose mothers did not consume Omega 3.
Contraindications to the use of Omega 3
There are no special prohibitions on taking pharmaceutical drugs in this category, but they should be taken with caution by people with diseases that can cause bleeding. This applies to the following diseases:
- severe injuries to internal organs;
- intestinal infections;
- surgeries and other surgical interventions.
There were no serious side effects from the use of Omega 3, and among them the most basic ones can be identified:
- nausea;
- vomit;
- belching;
- heartburn;
- disorders in the gastrointestinal tract.
Products and preparations containing Omega 3
Since PUFAs are poorly absorbed from food, an acute deficiency occurs in the bodies of some women and newborns. One of the richest natural sources of Omega 3 is sea fish, however, not all of its varieties are. The largest amount of useful components is found in sardines, tuna, mackerel, salmon and other species.
Not only pregnant women, but all people should add nuts, seeds and tofu to their daily diet. The daily intake of fatty acids for an adult is 3 g, for a pregnant woman - 4 g. However, it is difficult to imagine if every day she consumes, for example, 3 kg of tuna just so that this amount of Omega 3 is enough for the growth and normal development of the child .
Taking this feature into account, pharmacists have created special medications based on polyunsaturated fatty acids. Doctors recommend taking Omega 3 Vitrum to expectant mothers during pregnancy and those who are breastfeeding. The optimal daily dose in the first trimester is 300 mg. All components contained in such drugs are absolutely safe and respond well to the simultaneous use of additional medications. In addition, they prevent pathological diseases in a woman’s hematopoietic system, promote better life support for the child, and reduce the risk of dysfunction of the placenta and incomplete absorption of oxygen by the child’s organs.
In addition to a high concentration of Omega 3, such preparations also contain other essential minerals and vitamins: iodine, iron, vitamins B, C, D and many others, which contribute to the full intrauterine growth and nutrition of the baby, satisfying all the needs of the female body for nutrients during pregnancy.
Omega 3 during pregnancy. Video
You've probably heard that a healthy diet for a pregnant woman does not allow you to exclude fats from your diet. Of course, not the ones found in donuts, French fries and cheeseburgers! Such fats will do nothing but harm.
But not all fats are bad for you, some help your brain and heart function, and some help your baby develop normally in the womb. Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) are a good type of fat that are good for both you and your baby during pregnancy.
There are three main types of omega-3s you need during pregnancy:
1. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) – this type of omega-3 FA cannot be produced by the body, so you must get it externally, preferably from foods (walnuts, soybeans).
2. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – This type ensures the normal development of the baby's eyes and brain while it is in the womb. Your body produces DHA on its own, but it may not be enough. Therefore, it is best to replenish your body's reserves by taking special dietary supplements containing DHA.
3. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) – Like DHA, this type of omega-3 fatty acid is also produced by your body, but it is also best taken additionally in the form of supplements.
Why are omega-3 fatty acids needed?
Omega-3 fatty acids improve overall health. They:
- help lower blood pressure and support heart health;
- Helps lower high cholesterol levels, thereby preventing cholesterol plaques from clogging the arteries, which can lead to heart disease;
- reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes;
- support brain health throughout life.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, getting enough omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, is very important for your baby's health. Mostly present in the brain and eyes, it's safe to say that DHA actively supports your baby's brain and eye development.
Where can you get omega-3 fatty acids?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you need 200 mg of DHA per day. You can get the right amount of DHA and other omega-3s during pregnancy in the following ways:
1. From food. The richest fish in omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, herring, sardines and trout. You need to eat at least 340 grams of fish per week. However, keep in mind that DHA is only found in wild fish; if the fish is raised on a special farm, it may not have the required amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
In addition to fish, good sources of omega-3 FAs are algae and fish oil. But keep in mind that taking fish oil along with prenatal vitamins can lead to an overabundance of certain vitamins in the body, in particular A, D and E. Excess of these vitamins, especially retinol (vitamin A), can be harmful to the fetus. In addition, consuming too much fish oil can lead to internal bleeding and blood in the urine.
Nuts, vegetable oils (rapeseed, soybean, olive), foods specially fortified with DHA (check the label), orange juice, milk and eggs also contain a lot of omega-3 FAs. In addition, many of these foods are essential for preventing neural tube defects in your child.
Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are flaxseed and flaxseed oil, but they should not be consumed during pregnancy, because some studies have shown negative effects on the fetus. It is also better to avoid these foods while breastfeeding.
2. From special food supplements containing DHA. If you don't get enough DHA from food, you should take a supplement that contains at least 200 mg of DHA every day. Many prenatal vitamins contain DHA, so before you start taking a supplement, talk to your doctor to make sure they are safe for you during pregnancy.
