The benefits of fish oil, especially the omega type from cold water fish, has been well-documented to improve the overall health of people. However, women who are pregnant should talk to their doctor about the potential impacts to their unborn child and discuss whether or not taking fish oil supplements is a healthy alternative.

The cod liver oil that we were forced to consumer as children growing up is not equivalent to omega 3 fish oil. Oils from fish livers, such as that from cod livers, contain vitamins A and D. Pure fish oil does not have these vitamins in it. Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should take fish oil supplements that don't contain A or D.

Fish oil supplements which are made from the flesh of fish are safe for expectant mother to take. In fact, fish oil of this type has been shown to have positive effects on the health of the unborn child as well as the mother. In particular, the intake of a substance called omega 3 is recommended during pregnancy.

It is important that expectant mothers have a good intake of omega 3 during the last three months of pregnancy. It has been shown that about 8% of the human brain is composed of these fatty acids. They are especially important for the proper development of the unborn child's brain and eyes. Some studies have linked a low intake of omega 3 during pregnancy to lower IQ's in children, poor hand-eye coordination and difficulties in making friends.

Omega 3 essential fatty acids are very popular in health literature these days. It is called essential because the human body is unable to make it and so it must be taken in through food or in the form of dietary supplements. The beneficial substances in omega 3 are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Diets high is fish such as sardines, salmon and mackerel will provide lots of omega 3. However, there have been health-scares associated with eating lots of fish during pregnancy since some fish can have high concentrations of heavy metals in their flesh.

Some plants, in particular flax and pumpkin seeds, contain ALA, which is an omega 3 fatty acid, but the body is not able to convert the ALA into a usable form in the amount that meets the recommended intake for pregnant women. In order to ensure that expectant mothers are getting enough it is advisable to take supplements made form the flesh of fish which contain the oils.

Omega 3 fats from fish can benefit not only a fetus but the mother as well. Research has shown that these fish oils can alleviate post partum depression which is an increasingly common affliction among pregnant women who have recently given birth. There are a variety of vitamin companies that sell fish oil supplements targeted directly to pregnant women. The difference is that the fish oils have been process to be more readily absorbed into the bloodstream. The benefits of omega 3 supplements during pregnancy have the potential to outweigh any negative side effects.