People have known for a long time that fish oils are good for your health. But during pregnancy, one must look at health axioms for the general public with a critical eye. One must consider what's healthiest for mother and infant. So is it smart for expecting women to take fish oil supplements?

It is very important to note that the cod liver oil which many of us were forced to take by our parents when we were children is not the same as omega 3 fish oil. Cod liver oil and other oils made from fish livers contain Vitamins A and D, which are not found in pure fish oil. Pregnant women are much better off supplementing with fish oil that doesn't have any A or D in it.

Fish oil supplements derived from fish meat are suitable for pregnant women to take. This type of oil has even been demonstrated to have a positive impact on the health of both the fetus and the expectant mother. The oil omega 3 in particular is a good supplement to take during pregnancy.

It is critical that pregnant women get a generous amount of omega 3 during their last trimester. Research shows approximately 8% of the human brain to be made of these fatty acids. They aid in the correct development of the fetus' brain and eyes. Studies suggest that a low intake of omega 3 during pregnancy corresponds to lower IQs, underdeveloped hand-eye coordination, and social difficulties later in a child's life.

These days, health literature often writes about the essential Omega 3 fatty acids. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are the beneficial elements in Omega 3. Since the human body is incapable of manufacturing Omega 3 fatty acids, it must be ingested in the form of food or diets supplements. Fish such as sardines, salmon and mackerel provides lots of Omega 3. On the other hand, because of the high concentrations of metal in fish, consuming fish during pregnancy is not without concerns.

Some plant products contain ALA, such as flax or pumpkin seeds. ALA is an omega 3 fatty acid which the human body converts into a usable form, but pregnant women are not able absorb enough to meet their recommended daily allowance. Therefore women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should take supplements containing fish oils with these important nutrients.

Omega 3 benefits during pregnancy are not limited to the child - it has also been shown to alleviate depression which is all too common among mothers-to-be. There are many companies which market high quality fish oil supplements suitable for pregnant women. These are guaranteed to be free from fish liver oils and have been processed so that the oils are more easily absorbed by the body. There are so many benefits to taking omega 3 supplements during pregnancy that it would be foolish not to consider them.

While fish oil supplements are beneficial for health, during pregnancy, it's important to obtain these supplements from a safe source. Some oils from fish livers, such as cod liver, contain vitamin A, which should be avoided during pregnancy. However, supplements derived from fish flesh, especially omega 3, are not only safe, but recommended during pregnancy. Omega 3 benefits both the fetus, by providing fatty acid which is important for brain and eye development, and the mother, by assuaging depression. All these benefits mean every mother-to-be should strongly consider taking omega 3 supplements during pregnancy.