Is Fish oil & omega-3 supplements safe during pregnancy?
Eating 8–12 oz of low-mercury fish a week is the preferred source. Ask your clinician before adding a supplement.
What the sources say
NIH says it's unclear whether EPA/DHA supplements in pregnancy or breastfeeding affect a baby's health, though some studies show slightly higher birth weight and longer pregnancy. FDA notes supplements don't provide the protein, vitamins and minerals in fish, and recommends 8–12 oz a week of lower-mercury fish. ACOG notes supplements aren't regulated by FDA like medicines, so choose reputable brands. Algal oil is a vegetarian DHA source (NIH).
Common alternatives
Also listed as
fish oil, fish oil supplement, omega-3, omega 3, omega-3 supplement, dha, dha supplement, epa, prenatal dha, krill oil, algal oil, algae omega-3
Sources
- NIH (ODS): Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Consumers
- FDA: Questions & Answers from the FDA/EPA Advice about Eating Fish
- ACOG: Healthy Eating During Pregnancy
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.