Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Maternal and Child Health

This paper presents an overview of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the
duration of pregnancy, incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension, fetal growth and
development, including birth weight, neurocognitive and visual development in the
infant, and postpartum depression in the mother. A brief introduction to the role of
nutrition on the outcome of pregnancy provides a context for the review of the literature
which follows. Much of the research is preliminary and includes epidemiological, animal,
and human studies. The clinical applications of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation
during pregnancy and breastfeeding are currently controversial due to mixed findings
in the research. However, this nutritional factor warrants further study because of the
clear physiological basis, strong epidemiological evidence, and positive clinical outcomes
and because of the potential for improved physical and behavioral health.