GynoFiles

We have been promotion omega3 consumption and the lowering of stress for pregnant women for a long time. Previous discussions included prevention of baby blues and lowering of depression with the post-partum use of omega-3 supplements . Now there is a way to both prevent stress and give your baby all the benefits of omega-3 consumption at the same time as a new study shows that women who report high-stress situations may benefit from supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), according to a randomized controlled trial published online November 5 and in the December issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology . The ultimate reason for the benefit may in fact be the biological reduction of the stress hormone cortisol output may improve the uterine environment for the developing fetus. Kate Keenan, PhD, professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, Illinois , and colleagues. The investigators measured participants' stress levels through self-report...

  The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is currently reviewing the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed update to its advice on seafood consumption during pregnanc y. Women in pregnancy have a variety of foods to be concerned with in pregnancy, but we have long discussed that mercury in fish could potentially be harmful. We have to weight that against the fact that fish is an important source of omega-3s and an important source of protein, which both mom and baby needs. ACOG supported previous FDA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations on Exposure to Toxic Environmental Agents, which recommended that obstetricians encourage their pregnant patients to consume up to 12 ounces a week of fish and shellfish that are low in mercury. The fish that are high in mercury have been discussed in a prior post , but include the large fish like shark and swordfish. So aiming at 8-12 ounces of low mercury fish is the current recommendatio...